Hunters shock Harlies

SWG Enterprise Valley Hunters have rewritten the record books with a heroic 14-10 win over pre-post favourites Harlequins in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union preliminary final at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday. The Hunters were in a fiery mood from the start and their tight-head win in the first scrum of the match set the tone for their bruising victory and maiden grand final appearance in two weeks’ time. The Hunters front row of Jordan Seladi, Jacciel Tilto and Isaaca Kara gave nothing to chance as they won the physiological battle early on and that only grew with confidence as Harlequins failed to get into the game.

Meanwhile, the trusty boot of fullback Sawi Sukumbal got their first three-pointer after a turnover from plucky number 7 Patrick O’Leary that led to a ruck infringement outside Harlequins 22. With the confidence growing, and Harlequins being denied by the latters stifling defence, Sukumbal calmly landed their second penalty to lead 6-0. Harlies best chance to respond was when both wingers Ron Butler and Ambrose Emmanuel combined on the right edge, but a loose carry to fall short of the tryline only added to their woes.



But when the Hunters fleetfooted backs backed up winger Ismael Sabatha on the left edge, their inter-change passing had the latter second guessing which led to backrower Gerald Maritua scoring to take a handing 11-0 lead. Harlies finally got their act together with some momentum which led to loosey Ashley Chan scoring prior to half-time. Harlies kicker Butler missed the conversion plus an earlier penalty.

Heading into the second-half, another penalty Sukumbal saw them led 14-5. Harlies did find their way to make a last ditch effort to save face with a late try to Caleb Nipal, but time ran out on them to give the Hunters their maiden Grand Final appearance. Best for the Hunters forwards were loose forwards O’Leary, Lewis Modudula, Shane Kageni and lineup jumper Eddie Carl Soor.

While in the backs, playmaker Jonah Tokiong was again at his best in the standoff role for speedsters Eremas Vincent, Ben Lasiel and Sabatha. Hunters, under coaches Frank Genia and Jack Maraha, will now prepare their team to meet reigning champions Kramer Ausenco Brothers in the decider..