​Hunters Run Riot Over Pride to Keep Finals Dream Alive

The SP PNG Hunters turned on the style in Cairns on Saturday, sweeping aside Northern Pride 40-10 in a dominant Round 23 Hostplus Cup performance that keeps their finals hopes alive.

Hooker Judah Rimbu opened the scoring in the 12th minute before winger Solo Wane and skipper Ila Alu added quick tries to stun the home side. The Pride managed to hit back through Laitia Moceidreke, but when Robert Mathias powered over just before halftime, the Hunters went to the sheds with a comfortable 22-4 advantage.

From there, it was all one-way traffic. Halfback Sanny Wabo stole the spotlight in the second stanza, crossing for three tries and carving up the Pride defense almost at will. His hat-trick lit up Barlow Park and put the result well beyond doubt.

Jamie Mavoko was steady with the boot, nailing four conversions, while Gairo Voro and Clent Lama chipped in with one apiece. The Pride’s only response after the break came when Dane Aukafolau crashed over in the 71st minute, with Seamus King-Smith adding the extras.

Despite that late effort, the Hunters were always in control. Their forwards laid the platform, their halves dictated tempo, and their backs finished with clinical precision. It was the type of performance coach Paul Aiton would have wanted as the season enters its decisive stage.

For the Pride, it was another tough night at home. They struggled to contain the speed and power of the PNG outfit and never looked likely to mount a comeback once the Hunters took control.

Also read

• ​Home Crowd Lifts PNG Hunters to Emphatic Hostplus Cup Victory