Gurias consistency praised in 26-10 win over Vipers
Rugby League
BY PRISCILLA HARRY
The Rabaul Agmark Gurias hammered the Port Moresby Vipers 26-10 in the opening round of the 2019 Digicel Cup at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Gurias veteran and outside centre Eliakim Lukara was a standout in the match scoring a double to contribute to his side’s win.
Lukara was a powerhouse for the visitors after the first try in the opening after a good combination from halfback Solomon Pokare.
Gurias coach Steven Nightingale said Eliakim (Lukara) is always consistent with his game, he’s been there in 2014.
“We know what we are going to get from him and that helps from the coaching side, that helps us a lot, we were thinking of what to to expect of him but he has been consistent throughout the season,” he said.
Vipers scored first through Kitron Laka despite a few errors coming from their side – an issue the home side continue to struggle with.
However, they managed to find their game plan in the early minutes. Gurias fired back through Tuvi Lepan and Lukara. Both tries converted by Pokare to stretch their lead to 12-4.
Gurias forward pack was manned by former Goroka Lahanis Gene Markham and Baddy Jack while motivation for the forwards came from former Vipers Kennedy Ben and recently released SP PNG Hunters Jordan Pat allowed fullback Terry Wapi in for try before half time to extend their lead to 16-4.
Vipers were however able to score another try through Karis Peter with successful conversion to Robin Soga to narrow the gap to 16-10, then a short restart from Vipers found right wing William Aquila flicking an inside pass for sneaky Lukara to score. At 20-10, Vipers had finally found their pattern however; it was too late for a comeback as Markham drove in from the 2m mark to score the final try converted by Pokare to seal a 26-10 victory in favour of Guria.
Nightingale said they had a good start to the season with simple errors and drop balls going away from the game plan a little – something will be working on.
“Patience is a big thing,we just trying to run through the ball and you got to go forward to sharpen up the edges, we recruited well in the off season with a lot more forwards,” he said.
Vipers coach Steve Gunua said for the first match was just an icebreaker with all the new players trying to get their combination right.
“We had a lot of errors and despite the loss, we will need to have to familiarize ourselves before the second game,” Gunua said.
In other games, Gulf Isou beat Enga Mioks 34-16, Dabaris beat Kimbe Cutters 34-20, Eagles edged Lahanis 8-6, Waghi Tumbe beat Muruks 12-10 and Snax Tigers won Hela Wigmen 12-8.
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