The PNG Kumuls delighted their home crowd and turned around their fortunes following a poor performance last week to claim the inaugural Pacific Bowl with a 32-12 win against Fiji. Embarrassed last Sunday by the Bati in their 43-16 loss, the Kumuls came out with a new intensity in the final which showed in their determined defence. While the opening quarter of the match was a scrappy affair with both sides making errors, the Kumuls were able to capitalise on the strong breeze at their backs to post a huge 26-0 lead at the halftime break. Their first try came through livewire hooker Edwin Ipape who put in the type of performance fans were hoping to see from him all tournament after he was kept quiet last weekend. This week, he scored a try, made nine runs for 102 metres with seven tackle breaks and also had a try assist in a player of the match performance, while Liam Horne and Judah Rimbu also impressed off the bench. The next two tries were almost carbon copies down PNG's left-hand side, with centre Zac Laybutt running the decoy for fullback Alex Johnston to find winger Robert Derby to cross for a double. In the closing stages of the first half, Laybutt was again helping to set up his teammates again, busting through tackles and making a break downfield before finding Johnston back on his inside. Rhyse Martin kicked four from four successful conversions in the first half, as well as a penalty goal, to help his side to an imposing 26-0 lead. The Bati had their chance to turn the tide in the second half, with Waqa Blake crossing for the first try after the break, but the left plenty of chances go begging, including Maika Sivo losing the ball over the line in what proved to be a key moment in the match. The Bati did have some key performers who tried to turn the game in their favour including Jahream Bula who proved as elusive as ever in attack, setting up a try with a evasive run down field, and Blake who crossed for two tries; but their discipline let them down, with 11 penalties conceded. The Kumuls defence - which was criticised last week - held strong, especially on their own goal line to help them claim the trophy. Source: NRL.Com