The SP Hunters launched their 2018 campaign in the Intrust Super Cup with a gutsy 22-12 win over the Ipswich Jets at home at the Oil Search National Football Stadium this afternoon.
The Hunters got straight down to business.
Watson Boas danced and ducked his way past six defenders to score the Hunters’ first four pointer this season.
His brother, Ase, added the extra two points.
Six minutes later, the Hunters were in again, this time through Adex Wera who broke through and dashed away to the try line.
The Hunters continued to dominate in the search for more points.
The Jets regrouped and after consecutive sets were compensated.
With numbers out wide, Pio Seci was able to cross over on the wing.
The conversion from Wes Conlon found its mark, sailing through the posts to make it 12-6 in the 27th minute.
Watson ensured the Hunters went into the sheds with a comfortable lead flying in for his second of the afternoon just seconds before the half-time buzzer.
An unsuccessful conversion from Ase left the scorecard reading 16-6.
The home side were put under the pump early in the second term.
The Jets launched raid after raid coming agonizingly close to crossing the line.
All the momentum finally paid dividends for the Jets with captain and prop, Nathaniel Neale, bulldozing his way over.
Conlon struck it clean once more from the sideline to set up a thrilling final five minutes.
But with 7,098 screaming fans behind them, the Hunters lifted.
The win was sealed right on full time with a try from the captain, Ase.
The win was extra sweet for Michael Marum with today marking his 100th game as coach of the SP Hunters.
The man of the match was awarded to Adex Wera.