Mackay Cutters beat PNG Hunters 20 - 4

The SP PNG Hunters succumbed to  a disappointing 24 -6 loss to the more organised Mackay Cutters at Mackay stadium in Brisbane. The game was played in wet and greasy conditions. The two teams  played in round two of the season with Hunters taking the win. This time, the Mackay Cutters were well prepared and prevented the Hunters onslaughter with solid defence.    

Despite drizzling weather, the two competition leaders were up for a season battle that went scoreless in a quarter of the half.  

The Hunters were the real deal, hoping to give the title holders a real shake up but were unfortunate to lose speed machine Garry Lo to an injury followed by second rower Sabastian Pandia to a knee injury.

The Mackay Cutters boasted on their 18 -16 win against Wynnum Manly Seagull last weekend were capable of  a repeat upset as winger Liam Taylor beg a try in the corner.

The Hunters  struggled to bounce back but Cutters constant pressure saw them clinched a second from hooker Anthony Mitchell, leading at 10 points to nil at half time.   

The determined tourists welcomed back Adex Wera to fullback but were dismayed to see Wartovo Puara Jnr join the injury queue.   

The Cutters continued good performance as they capitalized on poor ball security by the tourists to score a third in the corner.

The Hunters late comeback through George Benson was not enough as Cutters Mitchell’s try under the post brought them to victory with 20 points to 4.

The Hunters now will have to regroup to take on East Tigers at the Graveyard next week.