Loko inspires Mioks

By KEVIN TEME
ENGA Mioks and Kumuls rugby league star David Loko led the Enga provincial government franchise to a second straight victory after beating the Agmark Rabaul Gurias 18-6 in Wabag yesterday.
Loko who had a quiet match against Lahanis last week was back to his best as a wide-running backrower.
Both sides were equal to the task however Loko showed his experience to open the score book with halfback Roger Laka converting to take an early 6-0 lead.
An unfazed Gurias came back strongly through right centre Chris Jerry to level the score with a converted try.
Both sides threw everything into the fray with Gurias five-eighth Dion Aiye steering Radaz boys while for Mioks it was former Port Moresby Paga Panthers halves combination of Laka and Charlie Simon.
The pair starred for the Mioks in the first round of the Digicel Cup against defending champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Goroka and continued that form against the Gurias at Johnson Siki Oval.
And it was a team effort that kept the Gurias scoreless in the second half.
The Gurias seemed to run out of ideas against the home side’s resilient  defence
Minutes into the second half, Miok’s dummy half Bernard Tatsen scored before Loko crashed over for his second try.
Little general Laka converted both tries for a perfect record with the boot to give his team a 18-6 lead which they maintained till the final hooter.
Gurias coach Michael Marum was satisfied with his side’s efforts but said the muddy conditions was another factor that apart from causing handling errors did not allow his side to play their natural game.
“My boys tried their best and we stayed in touch at the break at 6-6 but basic errors in the wet and muddy conditions kept us from playing our game,” Marum said.
In Mt Hagen, TNA Simbu Lions made their debut in the competition going down 14-6 to the Mt hagen Eagles.
Lions coach Jean Vandome said he was happy with his side’s first game   and highlighted their defence as an area they had excelled in.
“It was a good performance especially in defence considering they (Eagles) were bigger and very physical.
“It was a brave effort away from home and I knew they gave their best – so I am happy,” Vandome said.
Lions prop Essau Siune, No.6 Supa Takai and halfback Willie Guambo stood up for the Lions against  an Eagles team led by Francis Ray and Jason Tali.