Vipers strike
The Vipers, made up the ‘rejects’ of the city franchise made its mark on Masta Mak City Rangers yesterday when it came from behind to beat the star-studded Rangers 22-20 in their first trial match at Lloyd Robson Oval.
In Lae, a relatively young and eager Madang representative side stretched successful seasoned SP Cup campaigners Mabey and Johnson Muruks to the limit before succumbing 16-22 in another trial match (see story on page 37).
The Vipers’ victory yesterday could have been inspired by a strong rumour of the their inclusion into this year’s SP Cup competition following a closed-door PNG National Rugby League meeting in Port Moresby to discuss the issue at the weekend.
When contacted last night, Port Moresby Rugby League chairman Solomon Ravu, who spearheaded the last-minute bid for Vipers inclusion in the competition, was tight-lipped about the NRL decision but referred The National to PNGNRL chairman Thomas Higgins.
Attempts to contact Mr Higgins were unsuccessful late last night.
The trial yesterday in Port Moresby was the first of three matches scheduled for Vipers. They will play Boera Sailors this Sunday and the Port Moresby Suburb League rep side the following week.
The Vipers-Rangers game went right down to the wire with the deadly snakes pulling out all stops in the last 20 seconds to steal the game from the Rangers.
The Rangers were leading 20-16 with clock counting down the seconds to fulltime when hooker Jerry Wilmah scored under the uprights for an easy conversion to win the match.
Port Moresby Vipers posted the first points two minutes into the opening half through a penalty goal by Jarrod Hoada.
Despite lack of weight in the forwards, the young guns led by Ronald Ani, Marven Peap, Sylvester Nuabo, Sine Kuman, Steven John, Dick Nap, Philip Kumye and Steven Gunua gave as much as they got from the much heavier Rangers pack.
The latter comprising experienced representatives in the likes of Port Moresby-based Kumuls Eki Ene, Gimapau Keimelo, Johnson Kuike, Nickson Kolo and Jessie Joe struggled in the first half to see Vipers scoring two tries through underrated five-eighth Peter Paulus, who was rewarded with the man of the match award.
In a gruelling affair, the Rangers had their moments too with Derrick Able touching down early and Benjamin John converting to take a 6-2 lead before Paulus spoilt the party with his first touch down in the 21st minute and followed it through seven minutes later with his second the Vipers to 12-6.
Paulus opening try was a classic as he split Kuike and Jessie John’s combined tackle and scored under the post.
In the second half, the Ranges hit back with tries to Keimelo and Eni to take the lead for the first time 14-12.
The Vipers never-say-die attitude kept them going until Paulus collected a hattrick to grab the lead 16-14.
With clock fast moving toward final whistle, John cut through the Vipers defence to touch down wide. The shot at goal was awkward but Stanley Tepend, making good use of the strong win, sailed the ball between the uprights to take the lead 20-16.
However, their joy of winning was short-lived as Wilmah scored soon after from being set up by Steven John.
Sports Stories