The Papua New Guinea Hunters put aside their off-field dramas to defeat the Ipswich Jets 20-4 in Port Moresby at the weekend, solidifying their place atop the Intrust Super Cup rugby league standings.
The team's preparation was disrupted during the week, with head coach Michael Marum saying the players were losing focus and not wanting to train.
But the players responded on the field to secure their first victory in four weeks.
The visitors struck first with centre Nemani Valekapa beating Willie Minoga before offloading to an unmarked Michael Purcell to score in the eighth minute.
The Jets, led by Sebastian Pandia and Tyson Lofipo, dictated the opening half hour, with a number of offloads forcing the Hunters defence to work hard.
But the home defence hung on before second rower David Loko stepped pass some would-be-tacklers to level the scores at 4-all right before the break.
The Hunters returned to winning ways against Ipswich. Photo: RNZI / Melvin Levongo
The arm wrestle continued into the second half with both sides guilty of handling errors.
The Hunters hit the front with 30 minutes remaining after in-form fullback Stagroth Amean powered his way over the line, with Ase Boas adding the extras.
The home side extended their advantage in the 66th minute as Stanton Albert collected a good ball from hooker Wartovo Puara to make it 16-4.
The Hunters defence proved brutal in the closing stages, forcing further errors, and captain Ase Boas took advantage, collecting a loose ball and sprinting 50 metres to score right on full time.
Meanwhile the Redcliffe Dolphins moved into second place, three points behind the Hunters, after beating Norths Devils, while Sunshine Coast slipped to third after another defeat.
