THE SP PNG Hunters displayed their dominance with back-to-back wins in the QRL Hostplus Cup, overpowering the Western Clydesdales in Round 13. The Santos National Football Stadium witnessed a thrilling, high-scoring match on June 10th, as the Hunters continued their impressive home form this season.
The game started with a poor fifth-tackle kick from the Clydesdales, granting the Hunters a seven-tackle set near their own line. However, the Clydesdales responded with strong defense, forcing an error early in the count. The Hunters managed to withstand the early pressure and showcased solid defense on both edges to repel the Clydesdales’ attacks.
Gaining confidence from their defensive efforts, the Hunters executed smart ball movement in their yardage plays, making significant gains through Benji Kot on the left edge and Epel Kapinias on the right. As the game settled into a grind, the Hunters continued their attacking approach with their defensive prowess. Their solid defensive line, led by Rodrick Tai and Solo Wane on the right edge, prevented a certain try from the Clydesdales.
After defending their line, the Hunters capitalized on a yardage penalty and scored their first try through lock Tommy Moide, who replicated his performance from the previous week. Joshua Mire’s successful conversion gave the Hunters a 6-0 lead after 15 minutes.
Seeking a response, the Clydesdales defended fiercely and forced a poor fifth-tackle kick from the Hunters. With a seven-tackle set, the visitors made their way into attacking territory and threatened down their right edge. However, the Hunters’ defense held strong. Brandon Nima and debutant Joshua Lau showcased effective partnership in the center, repeatedly forcing the ball carrier into touch.
Taking control of the game, the Hunters continued to dominate the ruck and maintained their attacking momentum. Sanny Wabo’s impressive form provided the team with a valuable ballplaying option in the middle-third, connecting the ruck with the edges. Halfback Judah Rimbu capitalized on the spaces created by Wabo, allowing rookie center Lau to score on his debut.
With a 16-0 lead after Mire’s conversion, the Hunters carried their confidence into the second half. Their aggressive line speed forced an early error from the Clydesdales, setting up an attacking opportunity. Rimbu and Mire orchestrated plays with clever passes against the grain, testing the defense. Kimisive drew a penalty and powered through three defenders to score, extending the Hunters’ lead.
Sanny Wabo further showcased his skills, breaking through the markers in yardage and scoring a remarkable solo try that delighted the crowd. In the 51st minute, Morea sliced through the defense on the left edge, passing to Lau, who then offloaded back to Morea, leaving the cover defense helpless as the Hunters extended their lead34 points.
As fatigue and challenging conditions took their toll, the error count rose for both teams. In the midst of disruptions, the Clydesdales managed to score a consolation try through Drew Timms. However, the Hunters maintained their dominance until the end, exemplified by a late try from strike center Rodrick Tai. The Hunters’ spine players effectively engaged the line, creating space for Morea on the edges, and the rookie fullback made the most of it.
Throughout the match, players like Mire, Rimbu, Morea, Tai, and Moide stepped up and made significant contributions despite missing key players. The coaching staff and the development of their next-gen stars deserve credit for producing such a performance with the odds stacked against them.
With the confidence of back-to-back wins, the Hunters will again look to make the most of their home ground advantage when they host Souths-Logan Magpies at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, 17th June.
