PNG Hunters unleashed some of the best football of their season before a rush of Mackay Cutters tries led to an upset result in the Intrust Super Cup clash at Bycroft Oval today.
The Cutters won 40-30, scoring four tries in 19 minutes in the second half to claw back a deficit before a strong Hunters home crowd.
The Hunters had picked up from where they left off in last weekend’s stunning win over the Northern Pride in Atherton as winger Junior Rau marked his 50th game in style with three tries by the fourth minute of the second half.
Brendon Gutono scored twice while the flying feet of Solo Wane found the try line again as the Hunters used the full width of the field to get past the Cutters defence.
The Hunters looked slick as they spread the ball and defended their line with determination to establish a 30-14 lead but this game was decided by tries.
The Cutters finished with seven tries to the Hunters’ six as Buchanan Rawhiti, Matiu Stone-Dunn and Ross Bella each grabbed doubles.
Bella’s tries were critical, crossing in the 69th and 74th minutes to push the Cutters ahead. A penalty goal on full time stretched the final margin to 10 points as the Hunters lamented a match that was in their grasp.
