Gulf Isapea

The 25-year-old captain of the Gulf Isapea team, Bernard Goma, made his first appearance in the Hunters training camp this week after playing 13 round games with Gulf Isapea in the Digicel Cup competition.

Goma started playing in local competitions in schools. His move from the national level in the Digicel Cup and into the international level was a quick one.

PNG SP Hunters coach Michael Marum told the media that due to a lot of injuries to his players, Goma was recruited as a backup after seeing his potential at the national level.

Isapea were first on the board in the first half in the 25th minute when prop Bradley Yano bulldozed over to score.

Solomon Pokari had no trouble adding the extras to make it 6-0.

The Gulf boys extended the lead in the second half when winger John Horope dived over in the 51st minute.

Pokari made it two from two to put his side comfortably in front.

But the Vipers struck back just 8 minutes later through Brandan Gutono.

A successful conversion from Quintan Ragi made it 12-6.

The Lions took a 12-6 lead at half-time at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium this afternoon. They had to hold off a determined Isapea side in the second half to secure the win.

Suspended Hunters player Gahuna Silas put Isapea right back in the game, scoring two minutes into the second half.

Solomon Pokari Kale made no mistake in converting the try to level up.

The Lions took back the lead six minutes later after Robin Soga converted a penalty from right in front.

The match will get underway at 3pm at the National Sports Institute in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Both teams are on two points following their win in round 1 however, Wigmen took the lead due to points for and against.

PRK Mendi Muruks will host third-placed Mt Hagen Eagles while Waghi Tumbe will battle with Gulf Isapea at Minj.

In Wabag, Enga Mioks will take on TNA Simbu Lions while Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers will host the Snax Lae Tigers who were on bye last weekend.

They’re Mendi Muruks, Rabaul Gurias, Goroka Lahanis, Vipers, Enga Mioks, Mt Hagen Eagles, Gulf Isapea, TNA Lions, Hela Wigmen, Waghi Tumbe and Lae Snax Tigers.

The official kick off will get underway at 3pm at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The event will see Moresby Vipers take on Gulf Isapea.

This is the first time a Digicel Cup match will be played at the new stadium that caters for over 15,000 people.

The 44 players will be divided into two teams – Team Crab and Team Fish – to play in trial matches to allow selectors to further trim the squad to the final 25 players.

Bobby Ako from the Isapea coaching team said the squad boasts youth and experience.

Regulars who have maintained their spot so far in the team include Benard Goma, Jenkins Mark, Jojo Forova, Bradley Yano, John Bonny, Japheth Olik, Andrew Luke, Aaron Paul and Rex Tandoa.

The home team defeated visiting team Waghi Tumbe 10-6 today in round 14 at the Murray Barracks oval.

Isapea proved too strong scoring two tries over Tumbe’s one try in the second half.

Isapeas were the first to score from a corner try 25 minutes into the game through full back Junior Arova thanks to a set up pass by five eighth Junior Belo.

This followed an unsuccessful conversion kick by Belo leaving the score 4-0 at half time.