Long wait over
The National, Friday 19th April 2013
By JOHN PANGKATANA
TOP class action returns to Mendi this weekend and champions, the Agmark Rabaul Gurias meet Stop N Shop Port Moresby Vipers in the clash of round two in the Digicel Cup.
Rugby league starved fans in Southern Highlands will finally get a taste of the inter-city challenge after 15 years when the Kemele Hela Wigmen meet Bintangor Goroka Lahanis at the Late Joe Keviame Oval (Tente) on Sunday.
While in the nation’s capital, the new-look Vipers get their first real test against the flamboyant Gurias before what should be a full-house at the Lloyd Robson Oval.
Both venues are set to draw huge numbers but unlike Port Moresby, Mendi township is expected to be flooded with people as it has been a long time coming for the province
Mendi is getting more than they bargained for, as they have the benefit of two Digicel Cup teams playing their home games there.
You can only imagine the scenario when PRK Mendi Muruks play their first home game against Wamp Nga Eagles of Mount Hagen next weekend.
In Port Moresby, Vipers coach Shane Morris has a colossal task ahead to curtail the brisk pace of the Gurias natural game.
The ill-discipline against the Wigmen last week will certainly be punished by a hungry Gurias pack that will make them pay if they dominate ball possession.
The match-up between Vipers Larson Marabe, Sebastian Pandia, Enoch Maki, Samuel Koim and Bobby Mori against Gurias new signing Mark Mexico, Joe Bruno, Nelson Daplen, Obert Hondole and Danny Patrick is a recipe for a bumper clash.
In the other strong hit-out at the Johnson Siki Oval in Wabag, Enga, the visiting Muruks will have to get their act together fast or they will be at the mercy of an inform Enga Mioks who will punish them.
In Mt Hagen, PRK/Prima Gulf Isapea have another hard slog in the highlands when they go up against the Eagles.
Isapea coach Nigel Hukula needs his forwards in Moore Evara, Andrew Luke, Dickson Wallen, Zachery Simbai and Barry Pakea to add a bit more grunt in their game to make their presence felt.
While in Lae, local franchise Snax Tigers look to be turning things around this season under coach Stanley Tepend and should notch up their second win over the visiting TNASimbu Lions who are expected to struggle.