PNG Hunters down Townsville Blackhawks 28 - 26

The SP PNG Hunters held off fast finishing Townsville Blackhawks 28 - 26 at the Kalabond Oval on Sunday. This is the second time the Hunters have beaten the competition leaders.

The home side wasted no time after Noel Zemmings crossed over untouched to score the first try of the game. With successful conversion, the Hunters led 6 - 0 . A penalty was awarded to the Hunters after Neville Costigan's shoulder charge on Hunters player. Zemmings slotted the penalty shot to extend the lead to 8 - 0

Hunters Captain Israel Eliab collected a loose ball and ran 80 minutes to extend their lead to 12 - 0.

The Blackhawks regrouped and replied with a try through Neville Costigan who scored under the uprights to reduced the margin to 12 - 6.

The competition leaders scored again on the 20th minute to level the score 12 all.

The Hunters replied with a try through fullback  Stargroth Amean to extend their lead to 18 - 12 into half time.

In the second half, Hunters halfback Ase Boas scored for the Hunters on the 49th minutes to further extend their lead to 24 - 12.  Ate Bina Wabo put a  short kick which  Adex Werea regathered and scored for Hunter. Zemmings did not find the upright and the Hunters led 28 - 12.

The Blackhawks replied with a try through halfback Walsh  to reduce the margin to 16 - 28. They scored again on the 67th minute to stay within reach with  20 - 28.

On the 70th minute the visitors scored again that saw the Hunters go napping 26 - 28. 

A desperate defence by  the Hunters held off the Blackhawks attack. 

The Hunters won  28 - 26