The SP PNG Hunters have pulled off a gusty 14-8 victory over the Central Queensland Capras in their round 16 clash of the Queensland Hostplus Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, July 1st, 2023.
In their first meeting this season, Capras have thumped Hunters mercilessly. However, Hunters regrouped, rose to the occasion and took revenge on the high-flying Capras in a grandstand finish in front of the 8, 582 Port Moresby based fans. It was a sweet redemption for the hosts.
Hunters have registered their second win in a row and jumped from 11th position to 9th spot on the Queensland Hostplus Cup live ladder.
The home side were the first team to score after 15 minutes of arm wrestle. Hunters’ explosive rake, Judah Rimbu scooped the ball from the ruck and darted over the line in the 16th minute. Chief play-maker, Jamie Mavoko kicked the conversion successfully to give his side a 6-0 lead over the visitors.
The scorching heat has forced both teams to cause errors due to fatigue. The repeated errors have killed the rhythm and flow of the game. However, the momentum swung in Hunters’ favor. The home side capitalized on repeated ball possession and field territory, and scored their second try through Sanny Wabo in the 33rd minute, who was the beneficiary of Samson Komati’s grubber kick. Mavoko failed to nail the extras, leaving the half-time scores at 10-0.
The visitors regrouped in the sheds and went back firing on all cylinders in the second half. They scored their first try through Trey Brown in the 49th minute. The conversion was unsuccessful, which saw Hunters maintaining the lead 10-4.
After 10 minutes of brutal hits and bone crushing tackles, Capras scored their second try on the corner through Brandon Roberts in the 59th minute. The kicker failed to nail the conversion and the visitors trailed the home side by 2 points (10-8).
With 11 minutes remaining on the clock before the hooter sounded for full-time, Hunters responded with their third try in the 69th minute. Komati fed Benji Kot with a no-look shot pass, who ran through the hole and scored an untouched try, and sealed off the deal.
Hunters will take on Burleigh Bears next week Saturday at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Photo Credit: PNG SP Hunters
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