PNG Hunters come from behind to beat South Logan Magpies 22 - 20

The  Papua New Guinea SP Hunters defeated South Logan Magpies 22 - 20 in a come from behind  thriller at the National Football stadium in Port Moresby last night. 

Boosted by NRL Brisbane Broncos players, the  Magpies  were too strong upfront early in the game  with good defence and attack . They took  a 12-6 lead at half time with tries to Marion Seve Scott ,  Doyle and Jack Joass.

With hard words from coach Michael Marum under the shades at half-time, the Hunters were first to score  early through five-eight Ase Boas after the resumption of the second half. Zeming converted the try to level  the score at 12-12.

The two teams  threw everything in attack and in defence at each other as the game intensified with big hits.  The visitors found a weak defence line at the Hunters tryline and sent Joass to score. The conversion was successful and the Magpies led 18 - 12. 

In the next play, the Hunters were penalized ten meters away from their tryline. Magpies shot a penalty through Doyle and extended the lead to 20 - 12 with ten minutes on the clock.   

The Hunters were to score two tries in order to beat the Mapgies and that happened when Ase Boas put a banana kick towards the center of the field. Zeming recollected the ball and planted inch away from the touch line. He converted his own try and reduced the  margin to 20 - 18 with three minutes on the clock.

In the  next play, the Hunters mounted a huge pressure on the Magpies and took the  ball to  their territory. In the final play, when the  clock was counting down in seconds, hooker Wartovo Puara put a cut out pass to Zeming who  divided over to seal the game right on full time. Zeming missed the conversion and the Hunters won 22 - 20 on full time. 

Hunters centre, Thompson Teteh who played his 50th game  was awarded the man of the match.

The Hunters will meet Wynnum Manly Seagulls at the National Football Stadium next week.