Hunters down Pride

A man of the match performance from centre Willie Minoga helped the SP Hunters to a 26-10 win against Northern Pride in this afternoon’s round nine clash at the National Football Stadium.

The ‘freight train’ Minoga had the crowd of 6, 738 on their feet in celebration after only the 2nd minute of play when he crossed over the line for his first of the match.

Captain Ase Boas converted the try giving the Hunters a 6-0 lead.

Boas made it 10-0 in the 26th minute when he dummied and stepped into a gap to run forty metres to score on the wing.

These were the only points from the first half.

A penalty right in front in the opening minutes of the second half gave the Hunters an opportunity to extend their lead.

Boas opted to kick and was successful slotting the ball between the posts to push the Hunters out to lead by two converted tries.

Northern Pride were quiet for most of the match but finally found the try line after 51 minutes when Marcus Jensen timed his run to perfection to slam the ball down from a Jarred Allen grubber kick.

The Hunters hit back through Minoga who scored his second four pointer right before the 60 minute mark.

Boas ensured the two points were added to take score out to 18-4.

But the visitors proved they had plenty fight left in them. 

A try to hooker Colin Wilkie, and a successful conversion saw the score go to 18-10, with 17 minutes left on the clock.

But another penalty goal from Boas, and a try to Wartovo Puara Jr after an error from North Queensland Cowboy’s player Gideon Gela-Mosby, sealed the win for the Hunters.

Author: 
Troy Taule