A length-of-the-field try to Watson Boas try late in the game saw the PNG Hunters claim a home win against a spirited Capras side in Round 11.
Played in muggy heat, the game saw both sides struggle at times – with errors compounding the energy-sapping defence for both teams.
However, the Capras started brightly with Junior Kirisome over in the far left-hand corner in the second minute.
However, the Hunters were able to hit back 10 minutes later when Rahdly Brawa able to crash in under the posts after strong run got the Hunters into attacking position. A nice pass back inside to the unmarked forward saw the crowd go up as one.
The Hunters extended their lead soon after when Edene Gebbie was over – out to the far right of the field.
Neither side was able to cross again and the Hunters held a 10-4 lead at the break.
It was a close opening to the second half, and it took until just over 20 minutes left to go in the match for the defences to be breached – with the Capras pushing wide to the left for Maipele Morseau to go over, bringing the scores to 10-8.
Connor Broadhurst was successful from the sideline with the difficult conversion attempt and scores were locked up 10-10.
The later stages of the half showed how much both teams wanted the win – but trying too hard again saw them produce too many errors.
Ase Boas produced a key play when his kick lifted and swirled in the breeze, with the Capras falling backwards when trying to catch, and it dislodged when they hit the ground for a knock on.
The Hunters immediately capitalised with Junior Rau crossing over on the left side. However, Boas was unsuccessful with the conversion and it was still anyone’s game at 14-10.
The Capras pushed hard and were nearly over – but the Hunters were able to hold them out and then land the knock-out blow when Watson Boas was able to read an attacking kick by the Capras with four minutes to go, picking up the ball off his toes when standing on his own try line before running away to seal the game.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game at QRL Live
