HUNTERS DOWN BURLEIGH TO CLAIM KOKODA CUP

By Nigel MADO

The SP PNG Hunters have defeated the Burleigh Bears at home in Port Moresby as they ended 2 years of absence of the Kokoda Cup from PNG.

Scores were opened in the 3rd minute through Gairo Voro setting the pace for the Hunters first-half dominance.

The Bears, having been struck early found a way to manage the Hunters attack but after 10 minute’s, Solo Wane, through some slick ball play from inside 10m dived in for the Hunters second.

Bears Guy Hamilton was sinned binned and put on report. for a Professional Foul after he deliberately impeded Gairo Voro from scoring. The Hunters went into the break with a 10-nil lead.

The Bears were not out of the game yet as they opened their account, 7mins into the second forty through Lachlan West.

Having much possession and territory, the Burleigh men tested the Hunters resolve at the tryline. The Hunters held firm, long enough to see Robert Mathias run over the Burleigh tryline twice in the 53rd and 63rd min.

Jacob Mcadden scored in the in the 69th min while Lachie West grabbed a double in the 77th minute.

The Hunters won 22-14.