Hunters fire late in first half to secure semifinal spot

A late surge in first half ensured the PNG Hunters maintain their premiership run with a 23-8 victory over Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The 15-point win booked a semifinal ticket for Hunters in the second week of the Hostplus Cup finals.

Despite Hunters making a sluggish start in the opening 20 minutes, quick tries to Brandon Nima, Judah Rimbu and Sanny Wabo lifted the moral of the homeside after Seagulls took an early 8-0 led.

The Paul Aiton-coached side piled with confidence and determination ran into sheds at halftime with a 16-8 scoreline.

Skipper Ila Alu and Judah Rimbu made commendable impact in first 40 minutes of the contest, gaining much needed yardage to set the attacking platform.

The Port Moresby-based club were quiet in the opening stanza as slippery defence on the left edge allowed the visitors to score first.

Seagulls silenced the crowd at Santos National Football Stadium after extending the margin to 8-0 but quick succession by Hunters got the elimination playoff back in contest.

Hunters came out firing in second stanza with impressive defence which denied Seagulls numerous try opportunities.

Despite match referee awarding countless 6-again calls to the visitors, Hunters were valiant defending the goal line.

The home team were rewarded a try after a line break by star fullback Wabo, sent Robert Marthias over the chalk to score near the uprights.

Hunters had a few opportunities to extend their lead but complacent execution limited their chances.

Halfback Jamie Mavoko nailed 3 conversions from 4 attempts with a field goal to sneaky five-eight Joshua Lau propelled the team to a 23-8 win, progressing to the semifinal against Sunshine Coast Falcons.