PNG Hunters fall to Ipswich Jets 30 - 12

The SP PNG  Hunters  suffered 30 - 12 defeat from the defending Champions Ipswich Jets in this afternoon's round 12 match at the Ipswich Reserves.  The Hunters have registered more loses  in Australian than at home soil and this loss adds to the tally.

The defending champions were first to score at the 12 minute and took the early lead 6 - 0.  A penalty was awarded to the Hunters  close to  the  Jets try line, however, captain Zeming resorted to shoot a penalty goal and trailed 6- 2.

On the 29th minute, Hunter's fullback Stagroth Amean was injured and was taken out of the field that affected the Hunters attack and deference.

The Jets scored again to extend their lead to 12 - 2 at half time.


 In the second half, the Hunters put themselves right back into the game  when Thompson Teteh scored out wide on the 52nd minute.

Captain Noel  Zeming missed the uprights and the Hunters trailed  12-6.

The Jets responded straight away through PNG boy Richard Pandia, who proved too much to handle on the wing and scored  for Jets. The conversion was successful and the Jets led 18 - 6 .

The Hunters replied with a try on the 60 minute after a nice foot race from Thomson Teteh who set up Watson Boas to score. Zeming converted the try and reduced the margin to 18 - 12.

The spirited Hunters fight back was short lived after stand-in fullback Adex Wera dropped the ball in the Hunters in goal that saw Jets forward Nat Neale recouped the lost ball and scored. The conversion was successful and the home team led 24 - 12.

The Hunters threw everything at the Jets in the last ten minutes but the Jets repelled them.


The icing on the cake came a minute out from full time when Nemani Velekapa crossed over.

Kicker and fullback Carlin Anderson was impressive , kicking  5 from 5 conversions.

The Jets won 30 - 12

Photo credit: Mayor Paul Pisasale