The SP PNG Hunters have proven that hard work pays off, as they defeated the Sunshine Coast Falcons this afternoon in Port Moresby.
The Hunters came from behind to claim a 24-12 victory in the round 16 clash of the Intrust Super Cup competition.
The SP PNG Hunters had anticipated a tough encounter against the 7th-placed Falcons, who were 4 spots ahead of the Hunters after round 15.
The Falcons were the first to score through Jacob Hind, which was successfully converted by Ryan Papenhuyzen.
The score remained at 6-0 until Captain Ase Boas broke the ice 34 minutes into the first half.
A successful conversion from his brother Watson levelled the field for the team.
Things seemed to be going well for the PNG boys as a penalty kick from Watson’s boot placed the team ahead of the Falcons.
The score was now 8-6, in favour of the Hunters.
The tug-of-war continued until Nixon Put effortlessly picked up a dropped ball from the Falcons and ran a few metres before passing it on to Paul Wawa, who registered another try for the Hunters.
An end to first half saw the scores at 14-6.
A return from break saw the Falcons score another try through Iliesa Ratuva, which was successfully converted, with the scores now at 14-12.
A few minutes later, the Hunters returned fire with a fantastic run by Captain Ase Boas, putting to rest doubts over his level of fitness.
Boas made a 40-metre dash after picking up a dropped ball from the Falcons’ captain, Liam McDonald.
With less than 10 minutes left on the clock, Nixon Put grounded a kick off Watson Boas’ boot.
An unsuccessful conversion by Watson left the score at 24-12.
(SP PNG Hunters during training last week)