Suns ruin Swans’ home record at Raukele Oval

Taurama Suns outmuscled Alavana Swans 66-44 in a physical Port Moresby AFL fixture at Raukele Oval in Hula on Saturday.

The 22-point victory saw Taurama become the first visiting team to defeat the Swans on their home turf, securing a crucial win as the competition enters its final five regular-season rounds.

Swans capitalized on their home advantage early, taking a 19-16 lead in the opening quarter after booting three goals and one behind. They extended their advantage in the second quarter, adding two goals and three behinds to lead 34-28 at halftime.

However, Taurama responded after the main break with a dominant third-quarter performance, piling on five unanswered goals to take a 58-37 lead, their first lead of the match.

The visitors maintained control in the final term, adding one goal and two behinds to seal the 66-44 victory.

Taurama coach Cornelius Papau praised his team’s composure after trailing at the break.

"I think our boys didn't expect the challenge Alavana Swans gave, but they capitalized on mistakes and started converting goals," Papau said.

"We have a lot of experience among our players, including representative players and former players who came back to strengthen the squad.

"Finals is something we're targeting throughout the season, so we hope to make the top four this year."

Papau said bringing the match to Hula provided valuable exposure for local fans.

"This was our first time playing out here in Hula, and it was a good experience for the team.

"The community witnessed a quality style of football played in Port Moresby. We hope to return possibly by the end of this year or early next year."

Port Moresby AFL president Douglas Lai commended Taurama for their strong third-quarter revival.

"They were down by two goals at halftime, but they came back strongly in the third quarter and outscored Swans by five goals to none," Lai said.

"They came to win, not just to have a field day out here. Credit to the Taurama coach and players for a well-deserved win."

Lai said hosting matches in rural centers is part of POM AFL’s strategy to expand the code and promote community sports, with a similar fixture planned for Keapara on August 29.

The POM AFL regular season will wrap up next month before finals action kicks off in late September.

He thanks sponsors JAKI enterprise and former PNG Mosquitoes representative and lawyer Nelson Saroa for supporting the initiative.