Gurias rumble

CAPTION: Rangers’ Emmanuel Uki (right) being tackled by Hagen Kuris Bamu Talingapua in yesterday’s bemobile Cup match in Port Moresby. Rangers won 16-6. – Nationalpic by AURI EVA

Muruks left tryless at the Kalabond ‘graveyard’

By ELIZABETH VUVU

THE bemobile Cup top of the table clash at the Kalabond “graveyard” in Kokopo saw competition leaders NGIP Agmark Gurias thrash SBS Mendi Muruks 28-4 yesterday, The National reports.
Muruks fought an uphill battle against the hosts only managing two penalty goals through Andrew Sam early in the second half.
Gurias’ Rolly Matalau got the homeside on the board first with a penalty in the second minute for a 2-0 lead.
A well-executed move saw youngster Chris Jerry score minutes later as Matalau converted to make it 8-0.
Rugby convert Jeffrey Vinavel, who missed last week’s game, then beat five Muruk defenders on his way to the tryline for a14-0 advantage.
Minutes before half time, Jerry scored his second try for the day after he dodged and bounced off three tackles, at the same time juggling the ball and putting it down on the try line to close out the half at 18-0 for the Islanders.
Kumul forward George Moni added further misery for the Muruks when he latched onto a Sakias Kabange short ball to score for a 22-4 lead – this coming after Sam’s two earlier penalties.
Vinavel, a former Pukpuk, added his second as he crashed through three Muruks bringing the score to 28-4.
Gurias assistant coach Oscar Tonga said his side’s defence was the key to their win.
Muruks, on the other hand, accepted their loss and said they would be returning to Lae to re-set for next week’s important clash against Masta Mak Rangers in Port Moresby.