Kumuls show character to beat Knights

The PNG LNG Kumuls showed a lot of character to come from an early 12-point deficit in the opening 20 minutes of the first half to beat the England Knights 32 – 22.

It was a bruising encounter at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on November 3rd and no surprise when tempers flared with a player each from both teams getting sinbinned.

Fans in attendance got their money’s worth for the match, ending the PNG Rugby Football League calendar.

The England Knights made their intentions known early in the first half opening the scoring through Tom Lineham.

Minutes later his wing partner, Tam Davies, had no trouble beating two defenders to score in the corner.

The Kumuls remained composed and after an attacking raid, Watson Boas sent a hard running Nixon Putt through to score.

England showed their class again, attacking the left flank, setting up Jack Walker to stroll over the line.

Just before the stroke of half time the Kumuls scored a crucial try though Justin Olam, off an Ase Boas pass, to reduce the deficit to six.

The Kumuls did not take their foot off the pedal and scored first in the second half through the ever reliable Ase Boas.

The Knights looked shocked as miscommunication allowed an Ase Boas bomb to land in the hands of David Mead to take the lead for the first time.

Tempers began to flare as the PNG LNG Kumuls were now in control and in the 56th minute, Nene Macdonald scored off a Kyle Laybutt grubber.

Emotions were high as another set of scuffles led to Declan Patton and Watson Boas being sent to the bin.

With some back-to-back sets, the Knights scored in the 67th minute through Lineham again.

It was too late as a final penalty kick for Watson Boas ended a 6 from 6 effort from him and a win to the Kumuls.

(PNG LNG Kumuls captain David Mead running past defenders)

Author: 
Cedric Patjole