http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20121119/sport02.htm
PNG defeats Aust Legends
By Gregory Avira DWU Journalism student
A third quarter field goal from Tuksy Karu handed the PNG Legends a one point victory over the Australian Legends in the Ela Motors Legends of League match yesterday.
Both teams put up strong performances throughout the match but it was the PNG Legends who held on to win 45-44 with Karus field goal proving to be the deciding factor.
National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) PNG Legends were first to register points on the score board with a try to winger David Gomia after a great pass from Stanley Gene.
Gomias opposite number Kerry Boustead hit back with a try for the Nambawan Trophy Limited (NWTL) Australian Legends two minutes later levelling the score at six all after the conversion from Julien ONeil was successful.
The lead was constantly changing with both sides putting on great set plays which kept the crowd cheering on for their favourite league idols.
The PNG Legends held on to their nerves and managed to go into the first quarter break with a 14-12 point lead.
Matt Geyer determined to get his team back on the front foot scored early in the second quarter after winning a scrum which saw the Australians regain the lead at 16-14.
The Australians seemed more dominant over the Kumul greats until a superb solo kick and chase from five eight Stanley Gene saw him taking back the lead for his team at 18-16.
Both teams continued exchanging the lead until late in the third quarter when Karu, weighing out his options decided to take a field goal from the 20 meter line which proved to be valuable as PNG led the Australians 33-32 into the break.
The PNG Legends managed to hold off a late surge by the Australian greats to pull off a victory with a 45-44 full time score.
NGCB PNG Legends captain Adrian Lam, said after the match that he was happy with the win but most importantly, he was grateful to all the former players for accepting the offer to play.
Lam said that the initiative was great for rugby league in the country and he thanked the sponsors for backing it.
Lam also took the opportunity to announce that a former Kumuls association would be established in the near future.
