by Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, Lae
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls defeated the Tonga Mate Ma’a 32-18 in the International Rugby League test match yesterday in Lae City.
Both teams were tied at 12 points at halftime. The Kumuls, however, recouped in the second half to walk over the Tongans.
Kumul wingers Adex Wera and Garry Lo both scored doubles, as hooker Wartovo Puara scored the final try with a run away from the centre field.
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls opened the scoreboard about two minutes into the game, with winger Adex Wera scoring far out on the touch.
Rhys Martin converted for the Kumuls to take an early lead at 6 points to nil.
The Tongans retaliated with three unconverted tries to take over the lead from the Kumuls 12 points to 6.
With about a minute to go before halftime, Garry Lo went in for a centre try, which was converted successfully by Israel Eliab right on the half time mark.
In a man of the match performance, Garry Lo led the Kumuls in both defence and attacks throughout the 80 minutes of the game.
He was awarded the man of the match.
For Coach Mal Meninga, the win over the Tongans was sweet, despite certain ball handling errors in the first half.
Wartovo Puara was the best and fairest player on the field according to Meninga, who is adamant that there are more opportunities for the young Kumuls to fly.
The Tongans, however, put on an excellent defence for the Kumuls’ forward pack.
Seemingly minor errors defence errors gave way for PNG’s Garry Lo and Adex Wera to score their doubles, while Thompson Teteh and Wartovo Puara scored one each for the Kumuls to win.
The win ends a successful year for PNG rugby league, as players now look forward to the 2015 Digicel Cup, Intrust Super Cup and other sanctioned tournaments in preparation for the 2017 World Cup.
