The SP Hunters have opened up their 2017 campaign in the Intrust Super Cup with a gutsy 22-16 win tonight over the Central Queensland Capras at Browne Park, Australia.
Two consecutive penalties in the opening two minutes gave the Hunters the first points of the match after captain, Ase Boas kicked a penalty to take a 2-0 lead.
Both sides gave away early penalties in the opening minutes and it was the home side who found the try line first when quick hands close to the line allowed an unmarked Ken Tofilau to cross over on the wing.
The Capras continued to look for more points on Tofilau’s wing but the Hunters were up to the task to keep him out.
The 16th minute brought forth the Hunters first four pointer of the season.
It was a barnstorming run from Willie Minoga who drew in three defenders and then offloaded to Boas to do the rest and scoot into a gap to score.
Offloads near the line continued to hurt the Capras and Boas was in again minutes later to slam the ball down near the posts.
A successful conversion from Boas pushed the lead out to 12-4 which was the half-time score.
The Hunters took the score to 16-4 three minutes into the second half off a Boas kick to the wing of Tofilau who misjudged it and paid the price.
Tofilau’s misfortune allowed William Aquila to run past him and pounce on the ball before it rolled out.
Just when the Hunters were looking comfortable, the Capras hit back with three unanswered tries in the space of nine minutes.
It started with Tofilau who scored two more tries to make it a hat trick for the night.
The third try that levelled the score came through Justin Tavae who scored on the same wing to leave the Hunters searching for answers.
An unsuccessful conversion set up an exciting last quarter with the game right in the balance.
Boas put the Hunters in front again in the 69th minute converting a penalty from right in front to make it 18-16.
The win was sealed by Minoga who burst through the Capras defence in the 78th minute and run 40 metres to score out wide.