The SP PNG Hunters outmuscled a fourth-placed Northern Pride 18-8 in Port Moresby in their Round 18 match on Sunday.
The Hunters were brutal in both defense and attack in a match which had a finals feel.
The boot of Hunters Captain Ase Boas was the difference as he slotted in two conversions and three penalty goals for a 10-point win.
It was a physical encounter from the get go with both teams testing each other’s defense and attack.
It wasn’t until the 26th minute when Adex Wera scored off a fifth last grubber from Watson Boas.
The Pride would hit back 7 minutes later when an unmarked Brett Anderson catches a Jack Campagnolo kick to score.
In the second half, Ase Boas would slot two penalty goals in the 45th and 50th minute to extend the Hunters lead to 10 – 4.
Hunters’ fullback Edene Gabbie scored in the 59th minute after Ase Boas ran through some ordinary defense to set up the try.
The Pride scored a consolation try in the 75th minute after a five-eight Jordan Biondi-Odo, kick found Jonico Hardwick, who deflects back to Javid Bowen.
Ase Boas kicked another penalty goal in the 79th minute to conclude an entertaining game of rugby league.
The Hunters are now looking to play the Norths Devils this Sunday in Lae, Morobe Province.