Mt Hagen Eagles reveal kicking game as factor behind Enga Mioks defeat

MT Hagen Eagles said an improved kicking game had helped them beat Enga Mioks 21-16 for their third-straight Digicel Cup win of the season.
Eagles halfback Noah Bernard was instrumental in Sunday’s win, kicking two 40/20s in the second half of the round-five clash at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Eagles coach Billy Gau said it was a strategy which his halves had worked on since the start of the season.
“It’s something that we’ve been doing at training with our halves and we spoke about using those types of kicks especially when we’re running against the wind,” he said.
“That practice has really paid off and it relieved us of a lot of pressure in the game.”
Gau also made mention of Eagles skipper and former SP Hunter Henry Wan following back-to-back wins for the Western Highlands franchise. “This is Henry’s second year to captain the team and he’s leading the boys well so far on and off the field,” he said.
“We have a lot of young talents this year and only about four experienced players, including Henry.
“I think we are going well under his leadership.”
Sunday’s win sees the Eagles move one place up to fifth on the ladder behind Waghi Tumbe (fourth) with both sides on six competition points.
Port Moresby Vipers’ 16-16 draw with Central Dabaris sees the Moni Plus-sponsored side drop two spots to sixth while the Dabaris sit outside the top-six on four points.