Mendi take on Hela

Main Stories, Sports
Source:

The National, Friday, May 20, 2011

By KEVIN TEME
A SOUTHERN Highlands derby takes place in Lae when intercity originals Mendi Muruks play host to new boys on the scene and Port Moresby-based Hela Wigmen in round three of the Digicel Cup this weekend.
With the proposed Hela province only a parliament session away from being confirmed or delayed, the two teams with roots in the SHP will lock horns for the first time on Sunday.
Four-time intercity champions and SHP flagship Muruks have history on their side and the experience of playing together.
However, a Kumul-laden Wigmen side will make for an intense and potentially epic clash.
Ironically, Muruks will be led by Hela-native Joseph Omae, who has been a mainstay for Mendi team since 2006.
A proud Muruk Omae follows in the footsteps of  Muruks legends  Nande Yer, Raymond Karl, Cedric Kengi and Samuel Pinpin who have led the Mendi side through the years since the intercity started in 1990.
Another motivating factor is that Muruks capitulated to Goroka Lahanis 38-20 in Goroka last weekend and will be out to claim a win – they will just have to do it against a very strong Wigmen outfit.
Wigmen coach Luke Goowin would  have been pleased with his side’s 28-4 dismantling of Mt Hagen Eagles in Port Moresby but should not expect another smooth run against the Muruks.
Wigmen, second on the table with three points, will look to maintain their spot with a point separating them from the rest of the pack including Muruks on two.