Mark wins award and Puke’s treble sinks Vipers

By GABRIEL LAHOC
THE SNS Port Moresby Vipers fell victim to SBSL Mendi Muruks’ suffocating defence at Lae rugby league ground going down 20-14 yesterday.
The win was a another boost to the Muruks, who showed more stamina compared to the Vipers who could only muster three tries against the Muruks’ four.
First half tries to Muruk’s winger Travis Waninara and centre Mathew Puke were matched by Vipers’ five-eighth Peter Palus registering their first try followed by another for a 10-10 score.
A well-worked move by Muruks in the second half saw Joshua Mosli orchestrate Puke’s second four-pointer.
With the Muruks attacking in the next set, Puke again ran down a cross field grubber, caught the bouncing ball and managed to stretch out for his third try in front  of the posts.
Trailing 20-10, the Vipers’ hopes rose after fullback Josiah Abavu crashed over for a try after the Muruks’ right side defence relaxed but it was more a consolation as time ran out on the Vipers.
Mendi league product and prop Wer Mark was the toast of the Muruks camp after being named as the man-of-the-match.
Mark has emerged from the shadows to taking a leading role in 2011.
The presence of the PNG NRL Bid team chief executive officer Brad Tassell and Vipers coach Shane Morris as the Bid team development officer, were acknowledged by the Lae rugby league association and PNGRFL Northern Zone officials, who were delighted to see the participation of both men on the sidelines.
The win sees the Muruks perched on second spot behind pacesettters Lahanis.