Cook Island Skipper Brad Takairangi & Team mates - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption]
But the Kumuls did not stop and saw doubles by Epel Kapinias and Valentine Richard take the home boys further infornt and impossible for the Cooks to catch up.
With seconds left on the clock, a runaway by Alex Johnston got the crowd of their feet’s with Zac Laybutt assisting at the end to secure the Kumuls 30-0 at first half.
Coming into the second half of the match, Nene Macdonald secured 2 tries for his side within a tiem frame of just 2 minutes.
Though the Cooks lost halfback Tevin Arona to a neck injury during the first minute of the game, the Cooks broke off the first half rhythm and pout their first try by Esom Loka.
Given that restoration of pride, Cooks wing Steven Masters scored their second taking them to 46-10 at full time.
[caption id="attachment_46350" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Kumuls skipper Laybutt getting running repairs - PC: Nigel-Francis Mado[/caption]
Cook Islands Coach Karmichael Hunt said, though the result was not what they were after, they still had the determination to pull through.
“Though we lost, we had a lot of positives come out off that because we had 6 debutants who were really good for us.”
He further stated that, they will have to get boys from New Zealand or Australia to replace the ones with injuries.
Meanwhile, PNG Kumuls Coach Justin Holbroke said, though the boys got away with the win, they still need to work on being more consistent as they prepare to go up against Fiji in their next match. 
