The Mt Hagen Eagles have continued their opening form with a Round 2 win over newcomers Central Dabaris, 26 – 24, on Sunday.
It was a seesaw affair as the lead changed seven times before the Eagles put the final nail in the coffin, in a match riddled with mistakes despite the high scores.
Eagles scored first through David Kewage in the 7th minute for a 4 -0 lead.
In the 15th minute Rex Kaupa showed determination to score a converted try for the Dabaris for a 6 – 4 lead.
In the dying stages of the first half, Eagles Solo Menti put in a kick for Abel Pass to score to regain the lead for the visitors 8 – 6.
Dabaris halfback Allan Simbiri opened the scoring in the second half to regain the lead 12 – 8 before the Eagles produced some razzle dazzle football in the 48th minute to send backrower Gordon Willie over for a converted try to regain the lead 14 – 12.
Back-to-back penalties to the Dabaris saw John Boge score a converted try to take the lead once again, 18 – 14.
A penalty in the 65th minute saw Eagles Vincent Neri scoring in the right corner after a horizontal length of the field run from Joe Honk. The unconverted try left the scores at 18 all.
In the 70th minute Patrick Morea was penalised for using his feet in an attempt to stop an Eagles’ Mosley Tika try. Tika converted both kicks for a 26 – 18 lead.
A late try by Kostika Tabata for the Dabaris reduced the deficit by two.
(Picture: Central Dabari Rugby League)