Gulf Isou Record Back-to-back Wins

In a high-scoring contest, promising five-eight Ishmael Vaieke’s match-winning try helped the PRK Gulf Isou register their two straight wins following a 28-24 victory over the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

The Gulf Isou were trailing by 12 points at half-time, but they rebounded in the second half with three unanswered tries, keeping the Goroka Lahanis scoreless and upsetting the visitors in the nation’s capital. 

Isou opened the scoreboard in the 5th minute of play through the lanky fullback Kenny Laho after a sleek second-man play, and half-back Felix Beki nailed the difficult conversion on the sideline to give Isou a 6-0 lead.  

Four minutes later, the Lahanis’ prop Kumani Agumagu made a barnstorming run from the 10-meter line to the try line, putting the Goroka men back in the game and leveling the score at 6-6. 

The PRK-backed Isou quickly hit back in the 13th minute through clutch player Ishmael Vaieke’s elusive try, but the Lahanis responded with two tries in the following sets to take a 24-12 lead at the break.

Down on 12 points, the Gulf Isou regrouped in the sheds and went firing on all cylinders in the second spell, bagging three tries to stun the Gonzella Urakusie-coached side. 

Coach Roger Laka was not happy with the way the Gulf Isou started in the first half, however, he was pleased that they came from behind to get the win.

“The first try by Goroka Lahanis made us switch off. They caught us off guard with a couple of quick tries, which made us lose focus on our attack and defense,” Laka said. 

“I told the boys at half-time to stick to the process and the result would come. That’s exactly what they did in the second half, so I’m happy for them.” 

The Gulf Isou started their 2025 campaign strongly after defeating the Kimber Cutters in the opening round but lost four consecutive matches. 

However, they upset the Gas Resource Central Dabaris last week and recorded another victory over the Lahanis, registering three wins and sitting seventh on the ladder with 6 points. 

The re-energized PRK Gulf Isou will look to extend their winning streak when they travel up to the Highlands to face the NPL Enga Mioks in round 8 of the DEM Cup at Aipus Oval on Sunday, June 1st.

PC: Digicel