Despite bowing out in the Premier Grade Preliminary Final at the hands of the high-flying SWG Enterprise Valley Hunters, the Supreme Industries Harlequins A Grade team made up for that loss and beat the Kramer Ausenco Brothers with a 23-17 victory in the Pepsi Moni Plus Capital Rugby Union Grand Final on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
This curtain-raiser blockbuster sets the stage for the biggest showdown between the Valley Hunters and the Kramer Ausenco Brothers, with the Harlequins proving too strong against the men in black to secure the title.
The Robert Doko-coached men went firing on all cylinders in the first half and took a comfortable 20-3 lead over the Brothers. The Harlies took the Brothers off guard and conceded only a three-point penalty goal to the Kramer Ausenco team.
In the second half, the Brothers regrouped and scored three tries to reduce the deficit to 20-17, keeping the Harlies scoreless. The jesters of Bava Park (Harlies) got a penalty to ice the game with a 23-17 margin.
Coach Robert Doko said despite his boys struggling in the second half, he was happy that they competed until the full time siren to edge the Brothers.
“We started really well, went to sleep in the second half, and then almost lost it, but I’m relieved. They dug deep, so I have to give credit to them for showing the fighting spirit,” Doko said.
Meanwhile, the Harlequins will be participating in the Singapore 7s. They will have a one-day break and start training on Tuesday, September 24th, in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
PC: Pilai Piksa
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