By CHARIE DUMAVI.
LAE Snax Tigers have been denied an early Grandfinal spot in the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) by Enga Mioks with a 6-4 win yesterday, Sunday August 20, 2023.
Going into recess scoreless, Mioks came from behind after Tigers registered their only try of the match through their left Winger Dickson Otto. The conversion was unsuccessful that boosted the Mioks hope to get their mark on the score board alive.
It was a nail bitting competition with both teams getting more physical that gave referee more reasons to rule in favour of the opponent team until Garry James opens up for Mioks with 27 minutes on the clock.
Having the Port Moresby wind blowing against Mioks, the conversion was unsuccessful where both teams tied on 4-4 all. It took just 8 minutes before the Enga provincial Government sponsored side bounce back with a converted penalty on the 19 minute into the second half giving them 2 points lead.
Mioks were all determined with the veteran player Supa Kokkote pairing up with Gary James to extend their lead.
The Lae Biscuit sponsored boys from Lae stand their ground in front of a dynamic National Football Stadium crowd.
Tigers kept their hopes up and rolled out all they got on the field of play but fall short to register points on the score board, leaving Mioks advancing onto the 2023 PNGNRLC grand final.
Tigers however, will make their do or die appearance against the Goroka Lahanis who outclassed Rabaul Gurias 24-18 on Sunday.Lahanis Coach Chalie Wabo said they are taking one game at a time and are looking forward for their next challenge.
“Tigers have a bunch of big boys but we came as underdogs so we will go as underdogs. I will prepare my boys for the next weekend,” Wabo said.
Lahanis were too good chasing their grand final dream with the defeat of 2022 champions the Hela Wigmen a week ago, followed by the triumph against Gurias.
Lahanis came out firing, in just six minutes when skipper Charlie Buka crossed over for their first converted try and repeated it few minutes after.
Lahanis ran riot against Gurias, registering 20 – 8 on the score board in the first half.
Gurias returned with a double from Alex Max but were far blown away by the Port Moresby winds allowing the Lahanis fans to cheer their side home to another weekend of rugby league against Tigers before they can reach the 2023 grand final.
