Cup leaders face acid test – Lahanis play Mioks in Wabag cauldron

 DIGICEL Cup leaders Goroka Lahanis will have their premiership credentials tested in Wabag on Sunday.

The Bintangor-sponsored side claimed top spot last week with a 21-10 victory over defending premiers Agmark Rabaul Gurias at the National Sports Institute in Goroka.

The win erased any doubts that Goroka will be a force in 2013 despite losing a host of experienced campaigners through transfers and injury.

In-form Lahanis lock Bernard Tatsim Jnr, props Wesley Mohokule and Gonzella Urakusie, Supa Kokote, and skipper Nicko Ubile have the job ahead.

Tatsim Jnr continues his try-scoring form with five tries in four games and will be the player to watch, with the promising form of halfback Joseph Peter and five-eighth Robin Soga.

Their opponents, the Mioks, are smarting after losing their last two games against the Vipers (19-14) at home and Tigers (24-12) in Lae and will be out to arrest the slide.

In the other interesting tussle of the round family rivalry will come to the fore as the winless PRK Mendi Muruks and Kemele Hela Wigmen meet in a titanic battle at the Joe Keviame Oval in round five of the Digicel Cupon Sunday.

After getting over the tug-of-war for players both teams have yet to grab a foot-hold in ensuring a strong Southern Highlands presence in the premier rugby league competition.

This Sunday, Mendi township will be split as brother takes on brother to register match winning points.

The Muruks, last season’s grand-finalists, have been virtually stripped of all their star players and will be playing for recognition with a predominantly young side.

Muruks skipper Wesley Benny, winger Elijah Anton, lock Malachi Owen, second-row Andrew Buka, halfback Joshua Molosi and new inclusion former Goroka Lahani and Kumul centre Anton Kui will be called in for their experience to see them through.