PNG Hunters beat Burleigh Bears 44 - 24

The Papua New Guinea SP Hunters have held off determined Burleigh Bears  44 – 24  at the Sir John Guise Stadium in front  of well over 17 000 fans this afternoon.  It was the home side who took advantage of a ball that hit the crossbar and landed in the hands of forward Esau Siune who re-gathered it  and scored  under the uprights for the  Hunters first try. Zemmings found the uprights and the Hunters led   6 – 0 .

In the next play captain Israel Eliab side stepped few Bears players and scored to extend their lead to 12 – 0 after Zemmings sent the ball between the uprights.

Crowd favourite and star fullback, Stargroth Amean scored in the next play  for the Hunters.  Zemmings missed the conversion and the Hunters led 16 – 0.

The visitors regrouped and Gold Coast Titans winger Kevin Gordon scored for the Bears and trailled  16 – 6. This was  backed up by  another try  from Wanahi   who scored  after a good ball work to reduce the margin to 16 – 12.

A nice ball movement from the Hunters saw Hunters  winger Adex Wera scored right on half-time and put the Hunters ahead with 20 – 12 scoreline.

In the second half, it was the home side  to  score first  after half back Ase Boas chose to put a grubber kick where Zemmings chased the ball and scored. Zemmings converted his own try to put the Hunters  well ahead with  26 – 12.  

Stargroth Amean  ran 40 meters brushing  off  several Bears players to score  his second try under the uprights. Zemmings found the uprights and the Hunters extend their lead to 32 – 12.

In the next play, center Thomson Teteh ran through a gap and put the ball under the posts. Zemmings converted the try and the Hunters  led 38 – 12.

Bears scored through Adam Shawsh  and Kevin Gordons converted the try to reduce the margin to 38 – 18.

Bears scored again on the 75^th minutes and with successful conversion the Bears trailed 38 – 24.

Hunters captain Israel Eliab rampaged through the Bears defence line and scored  his second try on the 78^th minutes. Zemings added the extras and Hunters led 44 – 24. The visitors fought hard but time ran out and the Hunters came out winners with 44 - 24 score. 

Full time Score : PNG Hunters 44    Burleigh Bears 24

Tries: Hunters ( Essau Suine, Israel Eliab 2, Stargroth Amean 2, Thomson Teteh, Noel Zemmings,  Adex Wera, conversion, 6/8)

Bears ( Adam Shawsh 2 , Kevin Gordons, Wanahi, conversion Kevin Gordon 4/4)