Lae Snax Tigers

Errors prove costly for Tigers

The table-toppers fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand in front of a hyped up crowd at the Lae Rugby League oval on Sunday.

Ten minutes into the first half of the Digicel Cup match and a high tackle by Roy Kela saw the Muruks kick a penalty goal through halfback Josiah Jimmy.

Though the Tigers dominated the Muruks’ side of the field, their efforts to cross the line was repeatedly met with stiff opposition.

Both teams went for break with the scores at 2-0.

A return from second half and another penalty was awarded to the Muruks two minutes in.

Tigers save face

After a minute of silence in respect of the National Remembrance Day, which fell on July 23rd, the first and sixth-placed teams pulled out all stops to get a clear head start.

Just 10 minutes into the match and a kick by Gurias’ five-eighth, John Ragi Jnr, saw his teammates sprint towards the Tigers’ tryline. Left winger, Elias Pidik, caught the ball over Sonny Wabo’s head, sidestepping him and dashing for the line with Tigers’ Billy Paul hot on his heels.

Pidik maneuvered to the right, grounding the ball firmly for the opening try of the round 8 match.

Tigers outperform Wigmen

Tigers reversed the curse on their arch rivals from last year's grand final, at the Lae rugby league oval.

 

Both teams had remained undefeated this season and were joint competition leaders before Sunday's clash. 

 

The Tigers home crowd advantage was a big factor that got the home boys on the front foot from the opening exchanges.

 

Though Wigmen also had their share of supporters, Tigers were always one step ahead on the scoreboard and held on until fulltime.

 

Tigers roar to victory

The 2020 grand finalists in Tigers and Hela Wigmen attracted a hyped-up, unruly crowd that yelled advice and obscenities at both players and officials, including throwing containers filled with betelnut spittle at the referee.

With the Mendi Muruks and Mt Hagen Eagles already setting a fiery atmosphere, expectation was high as the two table-toppers took to the field.

Rushing to claim dominance, the Hela side caused an infringement less than five minutes into the second match of round 6.

Tigers secure win over Tumbe

Just five minutes into the second match of Digicel Cup’s round 2 in Lae, and Tigers’ newbie, Kitron Laka, recorded the opening try.

Joshua Lau was not able to find the posts, with the score remaining at 4 until teammate, Cassey Dickson, slotted one in 10 minutes later.

Lau converted for a 10-point lead and 19 minutes into the first half and Junior Rop grounded the ball with two Tumbe defenders hitting the ground with him.

With the points now at 16-0, the Jiwaka outfit fought tooth and nail to make a mark on the scoreboard.

K25,000 for Tigers

The local company, who is trading as Hawkeye Security Professionals, has been supporting the franchise since 2012.

General manager, Amos Yapo, said their nine-year support stems from their appreciation of the Snax Tigers’ culture of bringing in youths and moulding them into skilled players and respectable individuals.

Tigers Crush Eagles

Three minutes into the match and the Tigers’ centre, Roderick Tai, burst through the Hagen team’s line.

An unsuccessful conversion by five-eighth, Joshua Lau, left the points at 4-0.

Quickly regaining their composure, the Eagles outfit fought back, keeping the burly Tigers at bay until fifteen minutes in and their left winger, Moses Tali, deftly slipped past the hosts’ defense.

An unsuccessful conversion left the scores at 4-all until the Tigers’ halfback, Jamie Mavoko, dove past the Muruks’ try line five minutes later, easily pressing the ball down.

New Tigers outfit anticipated

Coach Stanley Tepend is looking at recruiting new players from this week’s Snax Nines tournament.

Lae city will be hosting the 2020 Snax 9s tournament starting Thursday, the 17th of December.

Speaking at a press conference, the Tigers coach said the franchise will be looking at scouting out new talents for the team during the event.

Lae Tigers ultimate 2019 winners

The Tigers were the better side this afternoon in Port Moresby, controlling the match from start to finish.

The Tigers were the first to post points with Kafare Amos running through traffic to score his first for a 4 – 0 lead.

The score would remain till the break with both teams showing determination in defense despite good attacking raids.

The Wigmen started the second half strongly and it was not long before tryscoring machine Gilmo Paul took on three Tigers players to level the scores at 4 – 4 .

Aviators continuing to improve

In their first encounter with the Lae Snax Tigers last year, the Aviators were trounced 40-4 at Lawaqa Park, Singatoka, Fiji.

At the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday, the Fijians were right in the contest until the final whistle, going down 38-22.

“It was very physical. We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said captain, Josateki Sovau.

“We came with a very young side and that’s a gain for us because we were exposed to international level and hopefully, we can come back stronger in the next few years and win the Cup.”