Lahanis set for Lions

 By ZACHERY PER

THE Bintangor Goroka Lahanis are determined to make it three wins from three games when they take on the TNA Lions at the Dickson Oval in Kundiawa in the Digicel Cup on Sunday. 

The game is regarded as a local derby and the Lahanis will be treated to a feast on Sunday, courtesy of Chuave MP and Mining vice-minister Wera Mori. 

The Lions have been greatly affected by the exodus of almost all their key players like Esau Siune, Tiger Emere, Sigfred Gande and Sam Tobokina. 

The Lions two games so far have seen them succumbing to lopsided margins against the Enga Mioks and the Lae Snax Tigers.

Former Lahanis coach Hans Kaybin is now at the helms of the Lions and may conjure tricks to spoil the Lahanis game plan.

Kumuls captain Glen Nami is still in Australia recovering from a knee reconstruction surgery but there is shortage of players.

With a slight change from the Lahanis side that recorded wins against the Gulf Isapea and Kemele Hela Wigmen, coach Peter Warlock said he was confident of beating the Lions on their home turf.

Former Kumul back rower Nicko Ubile, who was absent in the Lahanis opening games, has been named as skipper and will team up with two other Kumuls forwards in Gonzella Urakusie and Wesley Mohokule. 

Warlock has brought in his little general from Bena, Robin Soga to replace veteran Casey Frank at halfback to partner co-captain Joseph Peter at five eighth. 

Warlock said he had faith in the diminutive playmaker to trouble the Lions.

Warlock named his Sunday team with exciting fullback Adex Kudoo Wera expecting to give another blockbusting performance. 

The Lahanis team for Sunday is: Wera, Felix Tatsim, Kevin Inagafa, Ismael Awute, Spirrow Mikaive, Peter, Soga, Mohokule, Aimon Ian, Urakusie, Ubile, Micah Soboni, Bernard Tatsim, John Supa Kokote, Minaho Goso, John Arme, Aerator Tamson, Jerry Akepa and Pauls Itimbiel.