Lahanis beat Wigmen in rnd 17

Though the Kroton Hela Wigmen were the first to record a point in the Digicel Cup round 17 match, the Goroka Lahanis came from behind to register a 16-12 victory.

It was a slow start for both teams as they battled it out at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The first game of the triple header in Port Moresby started off under a slightly overcast sky.

It took eight minutes for the Kroton Hela Wigmen to finally find their footing and register a first try for the match.

Wigmen’s Daniel Tapol broke the ice by crossing over the right side of the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis’ line.

An unsuccessful conversion by Stanley Olo left the score at 4-nil.

The Lahanis returned fire 16 minutes later through Pasu Awanie, who reached past 2 defenders and touched the ball down over the line.

It was 4-all as the Lahanis also failed to convert.

However, this was the start that the Lahanis needed as a few minutes later, Gene Makam broke through a huddle of defenders and made an impressive 40-metre run before passing on to Amos Kafare on his left.

Kafare offloaded to Brendon Nima, who slid over the line for his team’s second try.

A successful conversion by Nicky Hasu put the Goroka team 6 points in front.

The Lahanis were now leading 10-4 until Melvin Paul, the Wigmen’s captain, fended off a number of defenders to close the score margin.

It was 10-all when both teams returned from second half.

A few minutes in and Stanley Olo was awarded a penalty kick for a high tackle by the Lahanis, where he made sure his team stepped up by 2 points.

It seemed as if the game would go to the Wigmen, until with only 2 minutes left on the timer, Charlie Buka weaved through the Wigmen defenders for their final try.

Another successful conversion by Nicky Hasu put the Lahanis firmly in the lead with 16-12.

Author: 
Carmella Gware