Ipswich Jets down SP PNG Hunters 25 - 12

The SP PNG Hunters went down to Ipswich Jets 25 - 12  in round six Instrust Cup.  Unforced errors and unnecessary penalties proved costly for the Hunters. 

The Hunters started  off well scoring in the opening 4 minutes of the first half through a set play from Dion Aiye who threw a short ball to Timothy Lomai, putting him into space to score.

Roger Laka converted to give the Hunters a 6-0 lead.

The Hunters were in to score again in the 17th minute through Dion Aiye who scored on the wing from his own chip kick. Laka added the extras to give the Hunters a commanding 12-0 lead.

Unnecessary penalties and poor ball handling from the Hunters gave away easy possession to the Jets who relentlessly attacked the Hunters try line.

The Hunters defence soon gave in when good footwork from Jets captain Kieron Lander saw him score near the post. Wes Conlon converted the try to put the Jets back in the game.

Another penalty 2 minutes before half time allowed Conlon to slot another two points to narrow the Hunters lead to 12-8.

The second half was all one sided traffic as the Jets’ Kurt Capewell shrugged off several defenders to score after only 5 minutes.

In the 22nd minute, Conlon beat some ordinary Hunters defence to run through a hole and then pass to the wing to put Nemani Velekapa over to score.

Several more penalties and errors gave the Jets good possession and they were able to run down the clock with little pressure.

With 7 minutes left, Jets’ Dane Phillips kicked a field goal to extend his team’s lead to 19-12. Sam Martin then added the icing on the cake with two minutes left, scoring from a grubber kick near the post.

The Hunters so far have won three games, drawn one and lost two games. The Hunters’ next match is at Kalabond oval against Tweed Heads Seagulls.

PNG Today/PNGEDGE