Blackhawks Break Drought With Win Over Hunters
Monday, May 15, 2023
Photo Alix Sweeney – Post game Mendi Blackhawk and PNG Hunters team huddle
AMELIA PATTEL – BLACKHAWKS MEDIA
Round 9 of the Hostplus Cup kicks off at Jack Manski Oval with the Mendi Blackhawks hosting the PNG Hunters for Friday night football.
A 40/20 from Blackhawks halfback Thomas Duffy allowed Sylvester Namo to crash over the line, scoring against his former team and the conversion from Duffy was successful.
Blackhawks McKenzie Baker dazzled his talent through a chip and chase to score in the corner with the conversion attempt unsuccessful.
The Blackhawks were able to score through Jake Bourke winning the chase to the ball and the conversion was successful.
Blackhawks winger Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scored on the halftime buzzer to give his side a strong lead going into the break and the conversion was successful.
The halftime score resulted at 22-0 in favour of the home side.
Blackhawks Riley Price opened up the scoring for the second half as he spun his way over the line to score and the conversion was successful.
Thomas Duffy scored under the posts after Blackhawks skipper Jayden Hodges made a break after he split open the defence and Duffy was able to convert his own try.
Blackhawks centre Zac Laybutt added his name to the try scorers as he found a way across the line after the ball floated through his team’s hands and the conversion was unsuccessful.
Hunters were finally able to points on the board through Solo Wane who raced down the sideline to score in the corner and the conversion by Jamie Mavoko was unsuccessful.
Blackhawks Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scored his second try of the night as he scored in the corner, fighting defenders to stay in the field of play and the conversion by Duffy was unsuccessful.
Blackhawks Riley Price also scored a double as he showed his speed to beat defenders and dove in the corner with the conversion was successful.
Blackhawks winger Jodeci Baker-Tiraha scored a hattrick as he won the race to a Jaelen Feeney kick to score and Duffy’s conversion form the sideline was successful.
Strong defence from the Blackhawks shut out anymore try scoring opportunities for the Hunters and were rewarded with a huge win.
The full time score was 54-4 with the Mendi Blackhawks breaking their losing streak.
Despite the Blackhawks victory, Patrick Kaufusi was placed on report early in the first half and Hunters also saw Epel Kapinias placed on report for a crusher tackle during the match.
The Mendi Blackhawks will travel to Brisbane to face the North Devils for their round 10 match up.
