Hela scoop awards

The National Sports

HELA playmaker Solomon Pokari was named the top point scorer as the Wigmen scooped the honours at the Digicel Cup Awards in Port Moresby last night.
The Wigmen’s Judah Rimbu (rookie of the year), Solo Wane (top try scorer and winger of the year), Samuel Yegip (prop of the year) and Charlie Wabo (coach of the year) were also honoured for the efforts all season.
Tigers fullback Joe Joshua, second-rower Junior Rop and five-eighth Mark Tony were named in the team of the year along with Gurias hooker Wartovo Puara, halfback Watson Boas and lock Ila Alu.
Meanwhile, Hela Wigmen have congratulated their players, coaching staff, supporters, sponsors and other stakeholders for helping the club reach its second-straight Digicel grand final.
The 2019 runners-up will meet reigning champions Lae Tigers at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Since the club’s inception in 2013, the 2014 premiers have made six finals appearances and Sunday’s grand final will be their third.
Club chairman Andy Hetra said yesterday that it had been a challenging year for the Wigmen but the commitment of people involved in the team had seen them reach another grand final.
“This is no easy feat with so much preparation, commitment and dedication by all those involved,” he said.
“We thank all our sponsors over the years for making it possible in the club’s short history.
“This year has been tough with many representative and SP Hunters players returning to their respective franchises due to Covid-19.
“Every game since round one has been very competitive.
“But our players have shown grit and resilience to dig deep, especially in the finals.”
Hetra said the Tigers and Wigmen deserved to be in the grand final, and he appealed to spectators to support their teams responsibly.
Hetra congratulated the Tigers for being consistent over the last 10 years.
Digicel Cup team of the year: Joe Joshua (Tigers), Solo Wane (Wigmen), Benji Kot (Kimbe Cutters), Mark Tony (Tigers), Watson Boas (Gurias), Samuel Yegip (Wigmen), Wartovo Puara Jr (Gurias), Junior Rop (Tigers), Ila Alu (Gurias).