Isou make mark by beating Wigmen in trial

By JACK AMI
NEW franchise PRK Gulf Isou beat Kroton Hela Wigmen 16-10 to start off their Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Digicel Cup trials on the right footing at the National Football Stadium yesterday.
In Lae, Enga Mioks and Mendi Muruks drew 10-all in the first Digicel Cup trial match on Saturday and premiers Lae Snax stopped a Goroka Lahanis fight back 14-10 yesterday.
The Isou’s scored three first half tries through Western recruit Moses Okopela, Joshua Thomas and Ilave Sapea in the Port Moresby trial. Tope Mitaharo and Jephet Olik kicked a goal each goal for the Isou to lead by 16-0 going into the break.
Shortly after the start of the second half Hela Wigmen’s Darius Baluba scored wide out followed by Elvis Aiyako with the second four pointer.
Joel Togobe converted Aiyako’s try to reduce the score line to 16-10 and the Wigmen managed to hold on and contain the Isou to the end of the game.
It was a game fraught with sloppy defence and handling errors.
Isou players like Sapea, Junior Arava, Mitaharo, Benji Kot, Aigiru John, Olik, John Horope, who are making a return to the scene after a season off was, stood out for their side. They were supported by Michael Yanis and Samson Pirika.
Former PNG Hunters forward, Henry Wan, Benjamin Hetra, William Mone, Stafford Talita, Messah Wallen, Melvin Paul and Benton Leme fought hard for the Wigmen.
The first win, although only in a trial, was a welcoming start for the Isou’s new coach Colin Geno who is also making his debut at the inter-city level.
Geno was assisted by former Kumuls Joshua Kouoru and Tuksy Karu.
Geno and his Hela Wigmen counterpart Roderick Puname have several players in each of their camps to assess before their final squads are selected for the March 25 start of the Digicel Cup season.