Coach praises Wigmen forwards for laying platform in win

HELA Wigmen coach Roderick Puname commended his forward pack for setting a great platform for his side to claim a 16-8 win over the Gulf Isou in their round five Digicel Cup match in Port Moresby yesterday.
Former Papua New Guinea Kumuls forward Timothy Lomai made a comeback in Digicel Cup after a year’s sabbatical and powered the Hela pack that included veteran Nixon Kolo as well as former PNG Hunter Benjamin Hetra.
Given the fact that the game between Kroton-sponsored Wigmen and Petroleum Resources Kutubu-backed Isou was scrappy, Puname said he was relieved with the win, adding they would have to work hard on their ball control and handling during the week.
The win saw the Helas move to second spot behind the Enga Mioks who scored their fifth win on the trot with a 12-10 over the Mendi Muruks in Wabag.
“We were very good in the first 25 minutes of the game which saw us put on points through fullback Elvis Ayako and hooker Stanley Olo,” Puname said.
“Our forwards laid a good platform for us and allowed us to have the momentum.
“Benji came off the bench and got a try for us which was great.”
He admitted that although it was not his side’s best performance, they had done enough to get the win, which was the main objective.
“We will be looking into our mistakes, especially our poor ball management, and try to get it right for the next game against the Mioks,” he said. “The Mioks are confident because they’ve won five straight matches, so we will have to come up with a game plan to get the job done.”
Puname said there was obviously a lot of improving to do and he would ensure his side were ready to face the Engans on Sunday.
“Regardless of the win today, we still need to improve in several areas,” he said.
“We will have to go through the performance and work out how we can minimise our errors which were high.”
Isou coach Collin Geno his side lost the territory game and that impacted on their defence, with the Gulf side having to play most of the match in their half.
“We’ve got to be better if we want to compete in matches at this level,” Geno said.
“We’ll have a rest and look at how we can take on the Vipers on Sunday.”
Round five results: Wigmen 16 Gulf Isou 8, Goroka Lahanis 34 Chimbu Warriors 8, Waghi Tumbe 8 Lae Tigers 4, Enga Mioks 12 Mendi Muruks 10, Port Moresby Vipers 4 Rabaul Gurias 26.