Mioks want No.1 spot

The National Sports

By MELTON PAIS
TIMOTHY Lepa’s Enga Mioks have set themselves the goal of staying on top of the Digicel Cup ladder with a win over the PRK Gulf Isou on Sunday.
The round 4 clash at the Sir John Guise Stadium sees the undefeated Engans travel to Port Moresby looking to add another scalp to their impressive list so far in 2018.
Coach Timothy Lepa said after a great start to their 2018 campaign their goal was to stay on top of the standings and that would mean beating the Isou, who are the competition’s newcomers.
Lepa said the 2018 Mioks had set something of a bench mark for itself by being outright leaders with wins over the Goroka Lahanis (30-12), Agmark Gurias (38-16) and Waghi Tumbe (10-4).
He thanked major sponsor the Enga Provincial Government as well as their fans for backing them.
“The Mioks have never been on top of the ladder by themselves and that’s where we are now so it’s something we are hoping to maintain,” Lepa said.
“It’s only the start and we’ve won three from three but we believe that we can continue that against the Isou on Sunday.
“The rest of the season is in front of us but we’re in good form and we want to make the most of it.”
The Mioks have several talented youngsters who have come into their own this season with Yabra Kuk, Valentine Wandi, Rex Reto, Kallen Thompson and Joddah Wesley featuring in their wins.
“We want to maintain our position but at the same time we’re not looking past the Isou because they are a good side and they did beat the Lae Tigers in round one.”
Lepa said he had his first choice 17 back on deck for this weekend despite a tough tussle last time out against the Tumbe in Wabag.
Mioks: 1. Yabbra Kuk 2.Valentine Wandi 3. Rex Reto 4. Joddah Wesley 5. Robert Koronos 6. Josek Wesley 7. Nathan Millie 8. Supa Kokote 9. Woods Kawage 10. Kot Kerowa 11. Emmanuel John 12. Eddie Daffa 13. Lee James; Reserves: 14. Gerry Ware 15. Israel Steven 16. Mati William 17. Benson Lapun Weto.
Rd 4 Fixtures: Sun, April 29 – Chimbu Warriors v Port Moresby Vipers (Minj), Lae Tigers v Goroka Lahanis (Lae), Mendi Muruks v Waghi Tumbe (Mendi), Gulf Isou v Enga Mioks (NCD), Agmark Gurias v Hela Wigmen (Kokopo).
Standings: Mioks 6, Gurias 4, Wigmen 4, Tumbe 4, Tigers 2, Muruks 2, Vipers 2, Lahanis 2, Isou 2, Warriors 2.