KIWIS TOO STRONG FOR KUMULS & RETAIN CUP SPOT

By Nigel MADO

The New Zealand Kiwis have avoided relegation into the Pacific Bowl Challenge after an emphatic 54-12 victory over the PNG Kumuls in the last Rugby League match for the 2024 season. The Kiwis did not mess around as they were out of the blocks early in the first 5 minutes through debutant Casey Maclean who bagged 4 tries and 1 try assist.

The Kumuls in the first 20 minutes of the first half were able to withstand the Kiwi onslaught. With a bit of momentum, the Kumul dished out their own pressure and were able to get on the board with some strong running from Sylvester Namo.

But were unable to capitalize on golden opportunities presented during the match.

A couple of tries went begging as both Robert Derby and Liam Horne botched a couple of opportunities. Rhyse Martin off a Lachlan Lam special almost got himself a try, but was disallowed after the video ref deemed Roderick Tai offside and playing an active role in the lead up to the try.

The Kiwis on the other hand were more clinical in their performance, converting every opportunity into points. They lead 22-6 in the first stanza.

Jermaine Isaako, Charnze Nickoll-Klostad, Naufahu Whyte & Leo Thomson got their names on the board for the Kiwis while Robert Derby was the sole try scorer for the Kumuls in the second half.

Pic: Supplied