Mioks rampant at home
The National, Monday 15th April, 2013
By PHILIP KEPSON
THE Enga Mioks thrashed fellow Highlanders TNA Lions 40-8 at the Johnson Siki Oval yesterday in Wabag to record their first two points in the opening game of the Digicel Cup.
It was the commanding performance by dazzling centre Pasu Awani and bulldozing forward Esau Siune that inspired the Engan side to send a signal to other teams that they are a team to be reckoned this season.
Despite the absence of rousing forward and captain David Loko, who joined the Hela Wigman this season, the team showed a high level of game with fullback Jeffrey Maino and sneaky five-eighth Roger Raka calling the shots from the back to keep their damaging forwards Ima Saar, Meninga Keith, Lizo Puri and Esau on a rampaging mission against their opponents.
Ten minutes after kick off in front of a crowd of more than 3,000 whose gate fees were met by Wabag MP Robert Ganim, Pasua scored on the far right.
It was the result of a skilful pass from Maino to take an early 4-0 lead.
The Eastern Highlander, who looked hungry for tries, came up with his second in the 15th minute after another 40-metre demoralising run from a well-timed pass from Siune.
Roger’s shoes failed to collect the extras but they looked confident with an 8-0 lead.
The Lions, with some thinking display of skills by their five-eighth Supa Takai and captain Radly Brawa, tried to get over their opponent’s try line but the Engans would not allow them.
They were further humiliated with two more tries to new recruit Bland Abavu and Laka to push the score line to 18-0 by the stroke of halftime.
The second half appeared all for the home team as they dominated play with four more tries through Roger, Abavu, Tiger Emere and Young Tamus, while the Lions scored an unconverted try in the dying minutes through Takai and kicked a penalty to end 40-8 at full time.
Mioks outstanding players were Awani, Siune, Maino, Philip Dama, Daing and Abavu, while Takai, Brawa, Aure Wemin and David Jones shone for the Lions.
Mioks coach Timothy Lepa, who happy with the general performance of his team, said he would keep the same line-up to play the Mendi Muruks in Wabag next week.