Competition balances out as 2013 grand finalists get wins

 LAST year’s Digicel Cup grandfinalists Port Moresby Vipers and Goroka Lahanis have finally etched wins.

Both are still last on the respective North West and Eastern conferences, but have now entered the race after three rounds.

The Stop N Shop-sponsored Vipers scraped through with a gritty 14-12 win over Mount Hagen Eagles at the Rebiamul Oval and the Bintangor franchise from Goroka nailed Gulf Isapea 14-4 at the NSI.

Vipers coach Leonard Tarum yesterday said the winning feeling has lifted their spirits in the camp.

Kumul prop Enoch Maki led by example with the addition of former Kumul Nixon Kolo, Samuel Koim, Elijah Riyong, Dick Nap and skipper Richard Kambo firing from all quarters.

“Was not happy with the refereeing but we stuck to our guns and held on to win,” Tarum added.

In the Eastern conference, the Enga Provincial Government Mioks came to the party with their bruising 20-6 victory to stop the running hot Agmark Gurias winning run at the Lae Rugby League oval.

The Mioks under coach Timothy Lepa have moved to third behind the Gurias and Tigers, and are looming as outside threats with their newly stitched outfit at this stage

Gurias coach Oscar Tonga was not happy with the general performance of the match referee but added they didn’t help themselves as well with an error riddled performance.

“The referee had a shocker,” Tonga said. “The loss is a good wake up call for us as we have a tougher job ahead with the Lae Tigers this weekend,” Tonga said. 

The Gurias and Tigers match is the match of the round this Sunday.

The Snax-sponsored Tigers got two points for their bye to still maintain their front-running on the Eastern conference. 

The TNA Lions 20-18 beat the visiting Mendi Muruks at the Dickson Oval in Kundiawa.