Hosts Vipers dominate Lahanis

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers are back in winner’s circle as they beat Goroka Lahanis 26-10 in the Digicel Cup round-six match at the Oil Search National Football Stadium yesterday.
The host put on a dominant performance in the first half which saw them score five unanswered tries to lead 26-0 at halftime.
However, Vipers interim coach Joe Sipa, who was appointed to the role last week, was not happy with his sides second half performance.
“We put on a very strong first-half performance, but our second half was poor,” Sipa told The National after the game.
“But it’s good to get a win after a very long time. We really needed that result to stay in contention for the finals.”
Vipers winger Jason Maima scored first in the 13th minute after fullback John Stanley put in a chip kick in the corner.
Yunny Patrick’s conversion saw the host lead 6-0. The Vipers scored their second try in the next set off a kick-return through their other winger, Brendon Begam. Patrick’s conversion extended the lead to 12-0.
Two minutes later, the Vipers scored again as Begam completed his double in the corner, courtesy of a set move by Karis Peter and Stanley.
Patrick failed to convert the try. Vipers hooker Brian Gispe scored another unconverted try in the 30th minute after an offload by forward Joel Torombe.
The Vipers’ final four-pointer off the five-try haul in the first half was scored by Stanley who dived over beside the uprights. Patrick’s conversion was successful as they led 26-0 at the break.
The Lahanis had all the possession needed to stage a comeback in the second half, but their execution was poor.
However, they managed to score two consolation tries through hooker Manu Mikaive and Jay Tee Mel. Winger Jordan Millie converted both tries.