Falcons overcome spirited Hunters effort

The Hunters started better than in weeks previous, marching upfield effectively and taking the early two points on offer when the Falcons conceded consecutive penalties to begin the match.

Sunshine Coast reacted by going quickly on the attack, searching down their right edge in good ball only to be denied in the corner by PNG centre Gilimo Paul.

The Hunters were deemed to have played at the ball in defending that shift and Sunshine Coast would make the most of their fresh attacking set, going to the right again for Will Warbrick to open the scoring.

The Hunters muscled up in defence in response, forcing a few errors and working upfield to earn a repeat set themselves thanks to a well weighted attacking kick into the in-goal.

The Falcons would do what the Hunters could not, however, and defended their line effectively in the ensuing set.

With the game settling into a grind, both teams looked for advantage through the middle and defended their errors reasonably well until Falcons’ winger Nat McGavin crossed in the 18th minute to break the deadlock to help the Falcons take a 14-2 lead into the break.

The second half was a battle of field position.

Hunters’ fullback Matthew Jesse was energetic on kick returns to help PNG upfield and Keven Appo capitalised on the field position to score in the 68th minute.

The Falcons wouldn’t break again though, defending their line and their lead through to the siren.

The Hunters were brave in defeat and will rue a few missed opportunities and calls that went against them at times.

Junior Rop was a standout performer for the Hunters, starting at lock to help PNG start strongly before returning in the second half and changing the momentum.

Rop forced three errors with his defence in the final quarter of the match as the Hunters chased points.

After the match, Hunters coach Matt Church said there were clear signs of development within the playing squad despite the result.

“Our start was much improved compared to the last two games,” Church said.

“We completed much better and gave ourselves a chance to positively influence the result. It felt like we were on top for large periods of the game despite how the scoreboard read.

“If we stick to our systems and continue improving each week, the results will come.”

Next weekend, the competition takes a break for Easter and will return in Round 5 on the weekend of April 23-25.

The PNG Hunters will face Burleigh Bears in their Anzac Day match on Monday, April 25.

The Sunshine Coast Falcons will host the Cutters on Saturday, April 23.