Dabaris facing tough challenge from Mendi Muruks

THE Central Dabaris face a daunting task this weekend when they meet the third-placed Mendi Muruks in round six of the Digicel Cup in Port Moresby on Sunday (2pm kick-off).
The Muruks, after having a week off, will be on the hunt for their fifth win of the season with skipper Weza Tenza leading Stanton Albert, Obert Koim and Mark Mexico in the forwards.
Muruks fullback Dickson Pipi will provide the edge for his side as he goes up against a Jerry Teme-Junior Belo halves combination for the Dabaris on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Dabaris coach Bagelo Solien has asked for a stronger defensive effort from his side after their 32-34 loss to the Goroka Lahanis in Lae on Sunday.
“We scored a lot of points in Lae but how can you score 32 points and still lose,” Solien said.
“Obviously, defence is going to be a real focus for us this weekend.
“We’ll be looking at our line speed, marker defence and cleaning up around the ruck area so there’s no infringements to give away penalties.
“At the same time, we want to delay their attack because the Muruks have a lot of big guys in their line-up so if we can get numbers in, we will work them over in the tackles and slow down the ruck.”
The Dabaris are seventh on the ladder with only one win from their past five matches while the Muruks boast an impressive record of one loss from their last five matches.