In a historic first, the SWG Valley Hunters have booked their first ever Pepsi Capital Rugby Union grand final berth after beating the Harlequins in the men's preliminary match on Sunday 08th September 2024, 14 points to 10 at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby. Both teams were brutal all throughout the first half forcing errors on both sides, seeing the Valley Hunters dominating to be the first on the score board. The match was tough between both teams giving Harlequins a chance to their first penalty with an unsuccessful attempt of a goal. The Valley Hunters hit back with a try by lock Gerald Maritua followed by a successful conversion, extending their lead to 11 - nil. Harlequins responded with a try in the last quarter of the first half, bringing the score to 11 - 5 in favour of the Valley Hunters. The Harlequins came out stronger in the second half of the game with a try prompting a brutal defence by the dominating Valley Hunters who were in the lead. The Harlies were on the attack all through the second half with several line breaks, but the Valley Hunters maintained their lead with a tight defence. The last two minutes of the game was bone-shattering as the Harlies strived for a turning point. The Valley Hunters maintained their stance causing the fulltime score to win 14 - 10, over the Harlequins. The Valley Hunters coach Frank Genia told PNG HAUSBUNG today that the boys have worked hard all year round. "They've worked hard all year and it's not easy to beat a team like Harlequins who, year in year out is playing in the grand finals, is a huge achievement." "They've got two weeks until the grand finals date, which is set for the 21st of September 2024." "We'll be preparing accordingly; we've got a couple days this week and of course we are into the independence where they (the boys) would have some time off with their families and then we'll get together next week for a couple of sessions and hopefully we'll be ready to go." The team was under a lot of pressure in the last 15 minutes of the game with a yellow card but with their scrambled defence, held back the opposing team until fulltime to claim the victory.