Gurias ready to shake up Mioks

By KEITH PUARIA
EXPECT speed, and plenty of it in this year’s Digicel Cup, when the Rabaul Gurias step on the field.
If their round one 20-12 burial of Mt Hagen Eagles in Kokopo last Sunday is anything to go by, the 2012 runners-up have a good chance of going one better this season.
Last year’s second best side will be banking on their superior pace around the park to bring down the first round’s surprise winners Enga Mioks in Wabag this Sunday.
The Mioks have the wind in their sails after beating the Goroka Lahanis 32-20 in Goroka last Sunday. 
The injection of another wave of young blood this season, bar the loss of 2011 revelation Israel Eliab to Port Moresby Vipers, has yet again pointed to coach Michael Marum’s hand at grooming the traditional Guria flair and open running style of play.
The return of Kumul utility half Dion Aiye from Hagen this season shone through with a man-of-the-match performance at lock forward against his former team.
Aiye’s inclusion adds depth to the attack with an arsenal of genuine speedsters in Ase Boas, Wartovo Puara Jr, Albert Patak, Chris Jerry, Boas Ruru, Jimmy Peter Jr and Jackie Marcus ready to blaze a trail of destruction at Johnson Siki oval.
In the engine room, experienced prop Kot Kerowa is joined by new recruit Jimmy Mai along with Daniel Pai while hooker Sakias Kabange, Obert Hondole and workhorse Pidi Togap will not be fazed by the fact that few teams have come away from Wabag victorious. 
The last three months leading up to season’s start have been good and there is no secret, Marum’s charges intend to go one step further than last seasons’ dream run.
“There is no drastic change to the way we play, but we’ve had to do a lot of work on our defence especially over pre-season,” Marum said.
“As long as we can keep our error rate down and complement that with good defence besides the attacking flair, this year will be a good season for the team”.
Visiting teams to Enga have been treated to great Engan hospitality but the home fans are some of the most partisan supporters and come Sunday they will be expecting the home side to handle the tremors from Marum’s boys.