EMK Sepik Pride round 4 debutant and Meni Beach Compound lad, Jonathan Aisi played right wing as per his debutant position tackle in the Digicel cup Competition yesterday at National Football Stadium (NFS) as they took on Central Dabaris. He proved his deb spot by scoring his first try with only 8 minutes remaining in the second-half by launching a flying and defense- breaking dive into the try-line. At the end, it was a close game which Dabaris won by a margin of 4 points difference at 22-18.
Pride led in the first half when their Second Rower Mica Tom, broke the ice by scoring the first try after just 6 minutes of kick off. However, in the 27th minute, Central Dabaris equaled the score of 4-4.
With 9 minutes remaining, Forward Jeremy Pima scored another try for the Sepik Pride, assisted by Wartovo Puara. This was followed by a penalty kick which led the first half at 12 and Central Dabaris-10
The second-half saw a lot of tackling and intensity as Central Dabaris fought to score and EMK defended their side. By 31 minutes, Dabaris Michael Yannis broke through the defence and scored on the left wing, bringing their score to 14 and Pride to 12.
In the last 8 minutes, the young Sepik Pride debutant jumped in for his debut try.
“It’s my first game and time to participate in such big competitions. Scoring a try during my first semi-professional game has filled my heart with joy. I also get to play alongside big time players like former-PNG Kumuls Wartovo Puara and Francis Kembis who have given me confidence to play”, said Jonathan Aisa.
Sepik Pride coach Joe Bruno commented on Jonathan's performance stating “He is setting history back in East Sepik, particularly in Meni Beach Compound. He was one of Bradley's first teens in primary school. He was taken because he put in a lot of effort in training,"
Aisa acknowledged the support given to him on the field from his family and supporters who supported him in his first game. As well as his family back in Wewak.
“It was an overwhelming moment for me when they chanted and cheered for us. I would like to thank all my families and friends who came to support me in my first game here,” said Aisa with a huge happy grin of satisfaction on his face.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to the Wia people in Wewak for being my fan-base and supporters. I hope that this try sent you off your feet and that you are pleased that I had touched one down for us. I know the effort I put forth made them happy and that motivates and makes me happy,” he added.
Aisa promised to give his best if he makes it into this weekend’s team list where the Pride will take on Gulf Isou at their home ground in Pora Oval, Wewak.
Meanwhile, Central Dabaris Coach said that he is satisfied with his team's performance, saying that it's an improvement from their last three (3) games and needs to improve more in certain areas before taking on Agmark Rabaul Gurias this weekend at NFS, Port Moresby.
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