Colts edge Storm

Vipers centre Wemin shines as QPR reach NCD Governor’s Cup semifinals

By ROBINSON LEKA
PORT Moresby Vipers centre Ben Wemin scored two tries to help QPR Colts beat defending champions Border Storm 8-6 in their National Capital District Governor’s Cup quarterfinal at Kaugere yesterday.
Colts now advance into the top-four where they will play Toks Mafuka Eels while GH Mapex Eagles will face Savuka Souths Brothers in the semifinals tomorrow.
The replay of last year’s final saw Colts open the scoring through Wemin who crossed over for an unconverted try five minutes in.
A resurgence from Storm saw them dominate possession for the rest of the half with skipper and hooker Tara Wayabi leading his side.
But indecision in the halves prevented them from scoring points in the opening half.
The second half saw an even tussle between the two sides before a kick-return from Storm fullback Josh Erico saw him make a 50m dash to set halfback Michael Timothy for a try under the uprights.
Storm’s Andy Tand added the extra two points for a 6-4 lead as the defending champions regained composure in the second half.
But Wemin rose to the occasion again 10 minutes from fulltime to set up winger Kingsley Morris for a break on the right edge and later finishing off to complete his double.
“It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe,” Colts head coach Gordon Bal said.
“But I’m thrilled that we managed to come through in the dying minutes and snatch the win.
“We’re thrilled to be in the semifinals.
“We’re just going to go back have a rest and see what we need to work on ahead of our next match.”