PNG Hunters go down to Souths Logan Magpies 20 -12

The SP PNG Hunters succumbed to their 5th defeat  at the hands of South Logan Magpies at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The Hunters started the game in a high note when  fullback Edene Gabbie dashing 80 metres to score and put the home side in front the first four minutes.

Captain  Ase Boas added the extras to take the early  6-0 lead.

The Magpies replied  not long after from a kick that found the hands of Marion Seve.

The  conversion was successful, it was 6-6 score.

Hunters forward Willie Minoga  crashed over the line to take the lead again. Ase simply added the extras with ease.

The tourists responded again through Sam Scarlet in last 10 minutes of the first half.

With the extra two points from Guy Hamilton, this allowed a 12-12 scoreline going into the break.

Hamilton added a penalty conversion in the 62nd minute to push his side in front by a try after Hunters infringement in holding down the player.

The controversy came in the 74th minute when the Hunters pounced on a loose ball to scoot off to score under the posts.

But this was overturned by referee Michael Gordon.

The Magpies celebrated with a wining try on the 75th minute Jordan Scott scored next to the posts.

This is the first time this year for the Hunters to face a defeat on their  home turf  it it seems that their quest to defend the  premiership title is  diminishing.

From seven games this season, the Hunters have only won two.

Coach Marum also put a blame on poor referring that cost the game.

Fulltime: South Logan Magpies 20  PNG Hunters 12