PRK Gulf Isou

The programs took place in Iokea village, Kerema District from October 7^th -14^th and in Koialahu village, Kikori from November 11^th -18^th, 2023.  

The program will culminate in a tournament slated to take place at Moresby South Stadium in Port Moresby from Wednesday 13^th – Saturday 16^th December, 2023. 

The match was marred with a lot of handling errors. Both teams struggled for points for the entire contest.

The low scoring contest was attributed to lack of good game management and control by the spine, let alone discipline in their execution.

With both teams coming off consecutive losses, it did not help their cause mentally as they struggled to get into any sort of rhythm in their offensive, coughing up a lot of possession.

After an error riddled opening half the Central men were able to regroup and pulled away in the second half.

After registering their first win of the season against EMK Sepik Pride in Round 5, Gulf Isou have continued to struggle to remain consistent in the competition. This was evident in their last three games losing streak to Hela Wigmen, Vipers and Dabaris.

Sunday’s clash against Dabaris was a must win game for Isou despite their mediocre form of late and the lack of confidence in the game.

Isou kept Gurias in check for the entire contest only to let go in the last 10 minutes.

From the get go Gurias had all guns blazing launching  numerous raids into Isou’s attacking zone only to be denied  by Isou’s unwavering defense.

Gulf’s defensive resolve appeared to have frustrated the Gurias set plays forcing a number of scoring opportunities into errors.

Midway through the first half Gurias were able to calm the storm, this time using their skill and speed out wide rather than grinding through the middle.

Sepik Pride fairytale victory 14-8, literally broke the hearts of the PRK Gulf Isou who showed their dominance for majority of the contest.

From a penalty kick, Isou took an early lead 2-0 at halftime.

Second half intensity and pace of the game continued with both teams showing a lot resilience and intent in their attacking sets, while defense was brutal with a number of players on both sides getting cautioned by the match referee.

In sealing this partnership Garamut Enterprises presented new training shirts for the team and announced the increased sponsorship amount from K7,000 to K25,000 to boost the teams 2023 campaign.

After jumping on the band wagon last year, Garamut Enterprises are committed to continue supporting the Gulf franchise with training shirts to use at training and warm-up on game day.

The short presentation took place yesterday at the Moresby Southside stadium.

After an impressive start to their campaign in season 2022, notching up four consecutive matches on the trot, the Gulf franchise unfortunately could not maintain that winning streak, finishing off the season outside the top six.

Coach Laka though was quite impressed with the outcome saying, it’s a work in progress.

Since appointed head coach last year, his main focus was to blood in a lot of young boys from their development pathway around seasoned players, and help rebuild a new culture for the club.

The team have retained most of its players with others joining mostly players who have been in the Gulf Isou Development program for the last two years.

The program has yielding results and Head Coach, Roger Laka is not wasting time giving opportunities for the young budding players to showcase their talents this season. 

Few names from the development program who have tasted Digicel Cup season in 2022 are Kenny Laho, Charlie Horope, Samuel Kiap, Olo Ben and Graham Sinori. 

The first 17 minutes of football saw Isou hold the Gurias scoreless, but this was not long before Gurias broke the hoodoo courtesy of a penalty kick followed by a try through co-captain, Edward Goma to lead 6-0.

Isou were able to hit back with a converted try through Michael Timothy to draw level again 6-all before Gurias fullback, Ilias Stanley celebrated his first game back with a try just before halftime to extend the lead at 12-6.