The Hanuabada Hawks have triumphed over the Kone Tigers with a 16-6 scoreline to defend the Sir Dadi Toka Cup during the Port Moresby Rugby League round 6 clash on Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, at the Santos National Football Stadium field number 2 in Port Moresby.
Sir Dadi Toka has played a pivotal role in the formation of the Hanuabada Hawks and Kone Tigers. He also played with both clubs. The Sir Dadi Toka Cup was established some 20 years ago and is played annually between the two clubs to honor the legacy of Sir Toka.
The physicality and intensity of the game was felt in the opening five minutes. The Tigers had the opportunity to score first but the Hawks’ winger intercepted the ball from the 20-meter line and ran 80 meters to score. The conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the scores at 4-0.
A few minutes later, the Tigers responded with a sleek second-phase play, which saw the centre burst his way through the two defenders to score in the corner. With the failure to convert the goal, the scores were levelled at 4-points apiece at half time.
Both sides started strong in the early part of the second half but were riddled with ball handling errors and ill-discipline in the middle of the contest. The arm wrestle continued until in the remaining fifteen minutes, former PNG Hunters and Vipers prop, Tommy Moide, used his experience and scored two crucial tries to put the game beyond doubt with a 16-6 victory.
Hawks coach, Arua Ben Moide, credited his players for sticking together and playing as a group to get the job done. He was pleased with his men’s positive mindset to compete until the final minute of the contest.
“We expected the Kone Tigers to come out strong, but I think the boys held on and got the win. The last 15 minutes was a grind – it was either them or us. I’m happy because the fitness level of the boys got us home,” coach Moide proudly stated.
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