by Skola Sengi – EM TV Sports, Port Moresby
The Pukpuks secured their second win of the tournament, defeating American Samoa, 36-points to 22.
The American Samoan’s incept inside their 22-metre mark, lead to a try, and shook up the Pukpuks defence in the opening minutes of the match.
And for the first time in the tournament the Pukpuks trail behind, 7-points to-nil.
Continued attacks by the Pukpuks sent full-back, Jonah Kautu over the line to narrow the lead.
Liebert Suang replacing Jonah Kautu minutes after his try on a suspected shoulder injury.
30-minutes into the first half, and the Pukpuks pushed hooker, Rabi Namaliu Jr, James Lumaris and Richard Aitsi over the line.
The American Samoan replied with a try just before half-time to see the Pukpuks remain in the lead, 22-points to 14.
Fresh legs in the second half, saw props Ezekial Dauko, Zion Reto and Adek Naio have their first taste of the tournament.
American Samoa’s Counter attack shook the Pukpuks defence once again, however a strong scrum and patience in their brake down saw the Pukpuks remain in the lead.
Captain, Tisa Kautu, and Jacky Marcus picking up a try each to see PNG earn another win in the tournament.
The injury toll for the Pukpuks are a concern with prop Sarufa Kingsley, Winger Wesley Vali and Centre, Jonah Kautu’s conditions to be monitored closely before they take on Solomon Islands on Saturday.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=SsJ9qlbvNF8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
