PNG v Tonga
PNG 6.8 (44) def Tonga 1.1 (7)
Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes opened the 4th AFL International Cup with a solid win over the Tonga Tigers. PNG started a little slowly with Tonga's Simote Taunga running on to a loose ball and kicking the opening goal of the tournament.
But the Mozzies steadied and started using their running handball style to good effect, leading at half time 3.4 (22) to 1.1 (7).
The sunshine was warm but the Tongans felt the heat in the second half, with their defence under siege. Defenders resorted to bombing the ball out of their defensive 50m and PNG peppered the goals.
2008 star Amua Pirika cruised around half forward looking dangerous, but didn't have his kicking boots on.
The Mozzies appeared to be kicking further than 2008, using the ball more efficiently and ultimately pulled away to a comfortable win. A brave first up effort from Tonga and they will give some of the middle-ranked sides a run for their money.
PNG
Goal Kickers: E. Wartovo 2, A. Pinda 2, B. Beno
Best Players: T. Carbry, E. Wartovo, J. Ikupu, S. Susuve, G. Aki, A. Pirika
Tonga
Goal Kickers: S. Taunga
Best Players: H. Loni , P. Mahina, T. Fihaki, S. Nau, F. Jnr Ta''ai, H. Fisitalia
by Troy Thompson
PNG v France
PNG 10.10 (70) def France 0.0 (0)
In fine sunny conditions in Sydney's Blacktown, the scene was set for the French Les Coqs to debut on Australian soil.
In a massive ask, they took on reigning IC champions Papua New Guinea in what was likely the toughest task the French will face in this tournament.
PNG opened the scoring, but the next PNG forward thrust was thwarted to the cheers of the French supporters as their centre half back, Patacq, claimed a mark and cleared the defensive zone.
Shortly after, PNG's Pirika provided a Blair Campbell moment with a glorious banana from the right forward pocket to extend the early lead.
The French were momentarily inspired by a strong tackle from Gregoire Patacq, earning a free on the half back boundary in front of the cheering French bench.
At half time, the score was PNG 5.6 (36) with France yet to score.
The second half saw PNG inspired by clean forward Susuve -- coming off Gold Coast TAC/VFL experience -- and PNG again dominated the scoreboard.
To their credit, The French persisted well regularly got first hands on the ball from the centre ruck. However, PNG ran out comfortable victors over the scoreless French.
PNG
Goal kickers: S. Susuve 4, B. Beno 2, P. Lambi , A. Pirika, J. Nemete, T. Gavuri
Best Players: T. Gavuri, S. Susuve, B. Sovare, G. Simon, P. Lambi, E. Wartovo
France
Best Players: C. Jan-Mahamad, M. Trivdic, P. Thomas Finnsson, L. Besnard, P. Ivorra, G. Patacq
by Michael Christiansen
Tonga v France
Tonga 7.6 (48) def France 1.1 (7)
The Tongan Tigers broke through for their first International Cup victory, defeating a spirited French side. The Tigers were ferocious at the ball but France's tall timber such as Mickael Trividic (#31) gave them first use of the ball in the centre.
Several forward thrusts by France went unrewarded and it was Tonga who started scoring goals. Sione Tupou (#28) was using his size to good advantage, busting tackles and having shots on goal.
At half time it was Tonga 3.2 (20) with no score to France.
The second half started with a bit of niggle, and it was France's James-Robert Theis (#11) who made history.
A good solid chest mark was followed by the first goal for France in International Cup history.
But Tonga answered quickly with a beautiful goal by Kafoa Tuaefe (#17) after he weaved through traffic to kick from the goal square. In the end it was Tonga that celebrated its first International Cup victory.
Tonga
Goal Kickers: S. Taunga, S. Nau, P. Mahina, K. Tuaefe, S. Tupou , U. Kivalu, A. Epenisa
Best Players: P. Mahina, K. Tuaefe, H. Fisitalia, U. Kivalu, T. Fihaki, S. Nau
by Brett Northey
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire