Mendi Muruks

Gurias stop Muruks in thriller

Gurias now advance to the second round of the elimination finals this weekend.  

Gurias got off to a flyer, dominating the first half with powerful centre and man of the match, Alex Max scoring a double, before Muruks clawed their way back into the contest, only to fall short by 2 points.

After their heartbreaking 22-12 loss to Muruks without head coach Francis Ray, back in round 14, the East New Britain men took to the Santos National Football stadium with a plan to tame Muruks in an early surge.

Gurias coach laud Muruks performance

Gurias coach, Francis Ray said his boys were doing well in attack and defense until Gurias prop, Daniel Pai, was sinbinned for a high shot in the second half of the round three Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match.

The Gurias’ lack of composure cost them numerous try-scoring opportunities.

On the other hand, Mendi Muruks head coach, Roderick Puname, admitted that their first half did not go as planned but he was happy that the team managed to work together, which saw them score a converted try in the second half.

Muruks maintain winning streak

Hard hits and rough play by the Muruks, coupled with ball handling errors by the Gurias, saw the visiting team accede to defeat in a packed oval on Monday afternoon.

Playing their home game, the Muruks scored the first try of the round 3 Digicel Exxonmobil Cup match four minutes in through centre, Clent Lama.

With a missed conversion, the scores were at 4-0 until 1 minute before break and the Muruks registered another two points against the Agmark Rabaul Gurias through a penalty goal, going into halftime with 6-0.

Muruks Eyes Minor Premiership

After their big win over Kroton Hela Wigmen in Lae Last week, Muruks are now outright leaders on 24 points closely followed by Agmark Gurias and Wigmen in 2nd and 3rd spots on 22 pts apiece.

Muruks is looking forward to walk over JPG Waghi Tumbe this Sunday followed by PRK Gulf Isou in the last round of the regular season.

Gurias and Wigmen are also keeping their hopes high to snatch the minor honours, should Muruks lose at least one of their remaining two games.

Gurias Captain Happy With Win

He said that despite a minor incident involving a few Muruks supporters during the match, everything ended peacefully at fulltime.

The former Goroka Lahanis enforcer and now Gurias skipper, Takai played a leading role in the win. 
He also thanked sponsors, families and fans for coming out to support the two teams who played in the true spirit of the game and ended successfully.

Gurias End Muruks Winning Streak

In the Round 14 of the Digicel Cup Competition, the top-of-table blockbuster had everything and lived up to expectations.

At halftime, Gurias led 6-4, after a closely contested first half.

The much-anticipated match of the round kicked off at a frantic pace with the visitors, Muruks going in first to score an unconverted try to take the lead 4-0, at 18 minutes into the first half.

Muruks with their noses in front kept up the pace of the game using their heavy forward pack to mount pressure on Gurias defense but to no avail.

Isou Meets Muruks

Isou after conceding their first loss in five weeks at the hands of Vipers last week will be keen to make amends against Muruks.

There will be no love lost when third placed Gulf Isou and sixth spot Mendi Muruks meet at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Isou coming off their first loss last week will be looking for a big improvement in their game especially on the defensive front.

Head coach, Roger Laka lamented that complacency took the better of his boys in last week match and they need to start strongly on Sunday.

Tigers welcome rest

The top two teams – Lae Snax Tigers and PRK Mendi Muruks – will be on bye for the final playoffs this weekend.

Coach Stanley Tepend said the week’s break gives them time to get their bodies rested, especially the players carrying injuries.

“At this stage we know we’re playing the Muruks so we will go as underdogs as they beat us two weeks ago,” he stated.

“They were unlucky against the Vipers on Sunday but I know they will want to bounce back against us.

“Muruks are a good side with strike players everywhere.”

Muruks failed to hold fort

This saw the favourites go down to the visitors, 6-0, in Lae during Digicel Cup’s round 11 clash.

Twelve minutes into the game and the Vipers registered their opening try.

Five-eighth Yunny Patrick successfully converted to ensure a 6-point lead.

The Muruks, who were caught by surprise, valiantly tried to return the favour but were held at bay by determined Vipers defenders.

Muruks to maintain strategy

The dominant Lae Snax Tigers were forced to relinquish the top spot on the Digicel Cup ladder to the PRK Mendi Muruks after suffering their second loss of the season.

During Sunday’s round 10 clash in Lae, the Tigers repeatedly hit hard at the Muruks’ defense but to no avail. Their only saving grace was Max Vali’s 90-metre dash after catching a loose ball.

Despite winning the match on penalties, Muruks coach, Roderick Puname, said defense saw them through an otherwise tough challenge.