Hunters coach Church: 'That was a good result for us today'

The PNG Hunters have pulled off a brave 26-22 win over the Souths Logan Magpies in Round 11 of the Hostplus Cup.

The relief was palpable across Bycroft Oval when the full-time siren sounded, with the Hunters holding onto a four-point lead in the final quarter while Souths Logan desperately fought for their second win of the season.

They couldn’t do enough though, as the Hunters defended their narrow lead to claim a much needed two competition points.

In picturesque conditions at Bycroft Oval it was the Hunters who would start fast at their home-away-from-home, playing to their strengths through the middle to generate some ruck speed and work into attacking field position.

From there, Junior Rop dug deep into the line to engage the defence before popping a lovely short ball to Dilbert Isaac in support. Isaac would crash into two Magpies defenders – and the goal posts – on his way to scoring the opening try of the match.

The Magpies responded in kind, taking advantage of some ill-discipline from the Hunters to work upfield and camp themselves on Hunters' own try line. They would go no further though, with the Hunters working smoothly in unison as Souths Logan shifted the ball to both edges only to be met with a resolute defensive unit.

Three consecutive sets the Hunters were able to repel before finally taking possession and promptly charging 90 metres upfield and into attack themselves.

Slotting Judah Rimbu in at fullback (with Tyler Han and Matthew Jesse in the casualty ward this week) proved a master stroke from Hunters coach Matt Church, as the young playmaker provided some slick hands out the back of Hunters’ shape in attack.

Rodrick Tai was the beneficiary in the 15th minute – making the most of some early ball to put a brutal left hand fend on his opposite man and dot down on the right edge to stretch the Hunters’ lead to 12-0.

After such a fast start, the Hunters were dragged into the grind by Souths Logan and the game became a seesawing affair, with neither side able to maintain momentum.

Souths Logan clawed back with two quick tries to Christian Hazard and Harradyn Wilson, but their good work was undone when Terry Wapi produced his second aerial acrobatic effort in as many weeks, planting the ball down in the left hand corner in the 33rd minute while the rest of his body was airborne and out of play.

Wapi’s celebrations were short-lived though, as Souths Logan answered straight back with winger Benaiah Bowie finishing off a sharp left-edge movement in the 38th minute which brought the scores to 16-16l at half-time.