Gurias surge past Eagles in high-scoring minor semi-final clash

Rabaul Gurias have booked their place in next week's preliminary game after securing a 42-22 victory over Mt Hagen Eagles (Image: Wepio Media)

The Agmark Rabaul Gurias have kept their premiership campaign alive after storming past the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 42-22 in a fast-paced Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Minor semi-final encounter.

The East New Britain outfit overcame an early defensive lapse to pile on eight tries, backed by a flawless kicking display from sharpshooter Mark Alunga, to eliminate the Western Highlands side and book a spot in next weekend’s major semi-final.

It was the Eagles who opened the scoring early, striking in the seventh minute when Elizah Peter crossed over to take an initial 6-0 lead.

However, the Gurias responded with composure, leveling the scores 6-6 in the 20th minute through a hard-fought try to speedster Ephron Achim.

The momentum shifted entirely in favor of the Kokopo-based franchise in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Emil Benjamin sliced through the Eagles' defensive line in the 30th minute to push his side ahead 12-6, before another late structural breakdown allowed the Gurias to head into the main break with a comfortable 18-6 cushion.

Mt Hagen Eagles prop Jordan Pat taking on Gurias defenders during the semi-final match at Santos National Football Stadium (Image: Wepio Media)

The Gurias picked up right where they left off in the second stanza. Achim completed his double ten minutes after the restart, before Gabriel Silk capitalized on strong forward platform work to extend the lead to 30-6.

Alunga's boot proved lethal throughout the afternoon, maintaining a 100 per cent conversion rate to keep Mt Hagen under constant scoreboard pressure.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Mt Hagen mounted a brief second-half surge around the 65-minute mark, scoring back-to-back tries to narrow the margin to 30-16.

Despite the late rally from the Eagles, the Gurias regrouped to slam the door shut in the closing stages, crossing for two final converted tries to secure the 20-point victory.

The win puts the Gurias just 80 minutes away from a Grand Final berth, while ending a resilient season campaign for the Mt Hagen Eagles.

The Wartovo Puara Jnr coached side will now await the loser of Mendi Muruks and Morobe Kandes match, for next weekends major semi-final.