Lions take confidence from trial win

THE TNA Lions are feeling some confidence following their 18-8 trial win over the visiting Mt Hagen Eagles at the Dickson Oval in Kundiawa on Sunday.
After being given an 11th hour call to re-enter the Digicel Cup for their second season, Lions franchise owner Gerard Philip said their preparations were on track for the April 14 kick-off.
A team that will be without their stars Esau Siune, Sonny Daing and Andrew Sipil, all believed to have been snatched by the Enga Mioks, will be still competitive.
Philip said these players had issues with the Lions last season and he saw the opening as a great opportunity for a young player to step-up to be recognised.
“We have a young, disciplined and well-drilled team that thrives on playing fast football,” he said.
“There is room for improvement despite the trial win, which will be something coach Hans Kaybing will be working on over the next two weeks,”
“The combination of the two halves, Willy Guambo and Supa Takai contributed to the outcome.”
The team that played on Sunday: Kom Kano, Robert Dama, Wamil Minga, Steven Gari, Ben Wemin, Supa Takai, Willy Guambo, Rubo Kagl, Manu Minga, Felix Brown, Joe Kupsy, Kawage Dilu, Inock Sine. Reserves: Joe Kena, Sam Paul, Karl Thomas, Thomson Krai.
Squad members that did not play: Radley Brawa, Saku More, Aure Wemin, Kupsy Isaac, Leslie David and Esau Ismael.