Hunters keep finals hope alive

With their season hanging by a thread, the desperate SP PNG Hunters have pulled off a crucial 42-30 victory over the Tweed Head Seagulls in a high-scoring affair of the Hostplus Cup round 21 clash on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

Fullback Sanny Wabo and winger Brendon Nima had a field day, who both crossed over the white line and scored two tries respectively, contributing to the Hunters’ seven-try haul. 

The Hunters imposed their presence in the opening two minutes of play, scoring back-to-back tries through live-wire rake, Judah Rimbu and barn-storming prop, Valentine Richard. Half-back and goal kicker, Jamie Mavoko nailed one conversion, leaving the score at 10-0.

A few minutes later, the Seagulls returned the favor, crossing over the line twice through Tony Francis and Gordon Carter to stay in the contest. With two successful conversions, the visitors overtook the Hunters with a 12-10 lead.

With 18 minutes left in the humid conditions, the Seagulls’ fullback and skipper, Lindon McGrady scored to extend the lead to 18-10, giving confidence to the visiting team. 

The home side responded through Brandon Nima’s 70-meter try and right on the shadows of half time, fullback Sanny Wabo bagged a four-pointer in the corner to give the Hunters a 22-18 lead over the Seagulls.

Just six minutes into the second half, five-eight Joshua Lau slipped through the defence to score under the uprights. Mavoko nailed the conversion effortlessly to increase the lead to 28-18.

An outstanding razzle-dazzle run by Wabo in the next set left the Seagulls in their wake, which saw the versatile fullback race 80 meters to score. Mavoko added the extras to widen the margin to 34-18.

The Hunters’ onslaught did not deter the visitors, as they scored two tries to narrow the deficit, reducing the points to 34-30.

As the clock winds down with a four-point difference, the Hunters run a second-man play to send Nima over the line for his second try. Mavoko slotted the conversion and with a late penalty, the chief playmaker added two extra points to ice the game with a 42-30 win.

Though it was a much-needed win for the Hunters, coach Paul Aiton highlighted the ill-discipline of the team and stressed on improving in that area as the regular rounds lead towards the pointy end of the season.

“We were making it hard for ourselves as usual. Quite a lot of penalties were offside ones, which shouldn’t be. We spoke at length about it last week, but we still gave a few penalties. Basically, we made it hard on ourselves, but the boys stuck through to get the two points,” Aiton said.

Aiton thanked the loyal fans and urged everyone to turn up again on Sunday, August 18th, as the SP PNG Hunters meet the Brisbane Tigers in round 22 of the Hostplus Cup at the Santos National Football Stadium.