The Lareva Dragons edged out the GH Vikings in extra time with a 14-10 victory in a thrilling showdown on Friday, March 5th, at Bava Park, Port Moresby in the KCK Rigo Rice Cup Major Semi Finals.
The Dragons came on strong in the first half with Naiko Nari scoring in the 2nd minute of the first half, followed by a successful conversion by Cedric Igman, giving Lareva an early 6-0 lead. The Vikings responded in the 27th minute with a try from Stalin Amber but trailed 4-6 into half time with an unsuccessful conversion.
The second half saw intense back-and-forth action. GH Vikings’ Jimson Mapil crossed the line in the 33rd minute, giving them a temporary lead 8-6. However, Cedric Igman struck his first try in the 37th minute but unsuccessful with his conversion leading 10-8.
Blackman Joe added another 2-points for the Dragons from a penalty in the 45th minute, locking in a draw of 10 all until fulltime.
In addition to the draw, each team was given two five-minute halves in extra time. The Dragons displayed resilience and control, ultimately scoring the decisive try that secured their victory in the second (5min) half, 14-10.
The Lareva Dragons maintained their momentum securing their victory through the three additional penalties and five scrum wins, while GH Vikings won four scrums and also conceded three penalties. It was the Dragons’ defensive grit and late-game composure that sealed their advancement.
Lareva Dragons proved themselves worthy of an opportunity in the Grand Final and Top 12 Showdown to battle out the top tier teams of leg-1 and 2, for a chance to win the K200,000 Grand Prize.
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