By PORENI UMAU, Post Courier
DROPPED balls was the order of the day as LBC Warriors forced Ela Diwai to hang up their boots for the season, winning 10-8 in Madang Rugby League semi-finals last Sunday.
The win gives Warriors the chance to have a crack at the grand finals with Royals this weekend. The game, played before a vocal crowd at the Ron Albert Oval was played down to a nail biting finish with Warriors getting the upper hand with two minutes to full time via a penalty conversion by Esekiel Roka after Diwai fullback Douglas Kata tripped Abi Ekai.
Eka had only Kata to beat after he broke through the Diwai defence only to be tripped and was awarded a penalty that gave his team the win at full time.
Diwai was the first to score with a minute into kick off when Warriors fullback Roger Diru spilled the ball in his goal area. A well orchestrated play by Diwai halves Grant Towingo and Anaga Issac sent winger Jerry Jacob over the try line for the first four pointer. Issac lifted the flags to give Divine Word University a 6-nil lead.
Diwai then launched attacks with hard running forwards Adrian Baungas, Eddie Lappa, captain Joel Martin leading the way.
Warriors tackling machine Samson Mala, Jessey Alko, Kelema Andrew and Hector Morris kept the uni boys at bay. Warriors led by their forwards and strong runs from winger Kembol Kaikepe countered the Diwai raid and in the 13th minute Kaikepe dropped the ball with the try line wide open and at his mercy after a good set play.
The Warriors regrouped and tormented the Diwai defence with halves Albie Eka and Esekiel Roka leading and testing Diwai at will. The pressure produced a try in the 18th minute when centre John Lango dived over for the Warriors four pointer. Eka‘s conversion tied the scores at 6-all to the break.
The second stanza saw Warriors come out with all guns blazing as they launched several raids against the Diwai defence.
Both teams refused to give in but Warriors was the better side in a hard fought match, winning by a mere 10-8 at fulltime.
The win gives Warriors the chance to have a crack at the grand finals with Royals this weekend. The game, played before a vocal crowd at the Ron Albert Oval was played down to a nail biting finish with Warriors getting the upper hand with two minutes to full time via a penalty conversion by Esekiel Roka after Diwai fullback Douglas Kata tripped Abi Ekai.
Eka had only Kata to beat after he broke through the Diwai defence only to be tripped and was awarded a penalty that gave his team the win at full time.
Diwai was the first to score with a minute into kick off when Warriors fullback Roger Diru spilled the ball in his goal area. A well orchestrated play by Diwai halves Grant Towingo and Anaga Issac sent winger Jerry Jacob over the try line for the first four pointer. Issac lifted the flags to give Divine Word University a 6-nil lead.
Diwai then launched attacks with hard running forwards Adrian Baungas, Eddie Lappa, captain Joel Martin leading the way.
Warriors tackling machine Samson Mala, Jessey Alko, Kelema Andrew and Hector Morris kept the uni boys at bay. Warriors led by their forwards and strong runs from winger Kembol Kaikepe countered the Diwai raid and in the 13th minute Kaikepe dropped the ball with the try line wide open and at his mercy after a good set play.
The Warriors regrouped and tormented the Diwai defence with halves Albie Eka and Esekiel Roka leading and testing Diwai at will. The pressure produced a try in the 18th minute when centre John Lango dived over for the Warriors four pointer. Eka‘s conversion tied the scores at 6-all to the break.
The second stanza saw Warriors come out with all guns blazing as they launched several raids against the Diwai defence.
Both teams refused to give in but Warriors was the better side in a hard fought match, winning by a mere 10-8 at fulltime.
Congratulations to you Warriors. Please make us proud by winning the Finals...I know you can make it...
ReplyDelete