Big task for Vipers

Sports

THE Port Moresby Vipers have a big task to contain and beat the finals bound Hela Wigmen at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Sunday.
The Digicel Cup wooden spoon favourites had their two-game winning streak ended by a classy Agmark Gurias last week at the NFS and need to beat the Helas in order to avoid the finishing last in 2017 with one round left after that.
The 18-12 loss to the Gurias could have been have been much worse had it not been for some inept calls by the Moresby-based referee.
Coach Joe Sipa was mindful of what went wrong against the Guria and said his side would need to tighten up their play and focus on completing their sets to have a chance against a determined Wigmen outfit that held off a feisty Waghi Tumbe 30-24 last round.
The Vipers have returning personnel who should add more composure and control to their game plan in  fullback Ben Wemin, back-rower Lawerence Kuso, and Nicko Dom.
The Wigmen will have former PRL ball boy William Mone controlling the game at halfback.
He should combine well with David Joseph to marshall the rugged pack who may be a little dented after last week’s bruising affair with the Tumbe.
In Kokopo, the Gurias host the Enga Mioks at Kalabond Oval.
Timothy Lepa’s Mioks would rest for only three days after their midweek win over the Mendi Muruks and coupled with the fact that they have to travel from their Wabag base again should see the East New Britons get the win over the Engans.
In Goroka, the Lahanis host the Muruks with both sides needing the win to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
In Minj, the Tumbe face competition leaders the Lae Tigers in a game that will be meaningful for different reasons.
For the Tumbe, a win means they should avoid the wooden spoon and for the Tigers, a win maintains their position at the top of the table.