Snax Lae Tigers

A break from Brendon Gotuno presented the Vipers with the first opportunity to score.

Fast hands put Rex Tandowa over to score out on the wing in the 14th minute.

Repeated sets to the Vipers had the defending champions under the pump but one mistake from the Vipers turned the tide.

A short ball from Noel Joel sent a charging Casey Dickson in for the Tigers’ first points.

Former Gurias star now Tigers halfback, Jason Missian, added the extras to put his side in front after 26 minutes.

The win was sealed in the 79^th minute from a Joshua Thomas field goal that left the defending premiers shocked and shattered.

It was Isou that registered the first points from a penalty goal that was kicked by To’ope Mitaharo in the 29^th minute of the match.

 The Tigers hit the front just before half-time through Anderson Benford, who flew over on the wing.

Mafu Kalas added the extras to take his side into the break with a 6-2 lead.

There was some scrappy football from both sides in the second half which caused frustration.

The Gurias today paid their respects to Pidik who passed away last night after succumbing to a head injury suffered after last week’s Digicel Cup preliminary final violence.

Gurias captain and prop, Samuel Hamari said no one had expected things to turn out the way they did after the game.

“We are truly saddened by Joe’s death and offer our condolences to his family. We are so sorry.

“We were planning to visit him this morning at the hospital but were then shocked to hear the news of his passing.

Coach Stanley Tepend said Tigers are overdue for a grand final win after doing well in the round robin but missing out on the grand final every season.

Tigers are currently leading the ladder after Round 2 following their win on the weekend against Port Moresby Vipers.

Tepend said it’s really early now but they’d like to make the finals.

“We owe it to all our supporters and families that have stuck with us over the years and also to the Franchise owner Lae Snax who have stuck by this team,” Tepend said.

Gurias were a better side on the day after defending early leads in both halves of the match.

Gurias took a successful penalty and then put two quick tries on the back of silly errors by Tigers in the early part of the first half.

Just before half time, Tigers scored an unconverted try to trail 4-12 into the break.

In the second 40, Gurias ran over the Tigers' line twice to bring their score to 20 while the Morobe boys scored 12 points.