Gurias bank on experience

By PARKER TAMBUA
RABAUL Gurias will bank on experience when they host reigning Digicel Cup champions Lae Tigers at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
The round-four fixture is shaping up to be the match of the round as the new look Tigers outfit, who are leading the 12-team competition ladder, face a tough task.
Gurias coach Francis Ray named his side yesterday which would see former SP Hunters skipper Ase Boas at halfback and Saki Peter at No.6.
Nathan Tente will distribute possession from dummy-half.
Garry Lo and Edward Goma have retained their spots in the second row while captain Francis Takai will play at lock.
The Agmark-sponsored side will look to continue last Sunday’s form which saw them shut out hosts Mendi Muruks 18-0 at the Lae Rugby League Ground.
For the Oscar Tonga-coached champions, they will have the services of two experienced Digicel Cup centres Shallom Bire and Ben Wemin. Former Muruks five-eighth Milex Winis is expected to play alongside Joshua Mire in the halves with Sanny Wabo at fullback.The Tigers’ pack will boast some quality forwards in Tommy Moide, veteran Roy Kela, Philemon Kimisive and former Hunter Adam Korave.
A loss by the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored Tigers could see them displaced at the top of the ladder. The Gurias’ only loss was against the Moni Plus-sponsored Port Moresby Vipers who won by a late Karis Peter field goal a fortnight ago. Fixtures: Sat, May 14 – Gurias v Tigers; Sun, May 15 – Eagles v Cutters, Tumbe v Vipers, Lahanis v Dabaris, Wigmen v Muruks, Isou v Mioks.