Muruks escape

By JOHN SUPA and HENRY MORABANG
DEFENDING intercity champions Bintangor Goroka Lahanis recorded their seventh win by adding the Hela Wigmen to their list of scalps with a 30-10 mugging at the National Sports Institute in Goroka yesterday.
Disciplinary action taken against several Wigmen stars earlier in the week saw Kumuls Michael Mark, Nixon Kolo, Johnson Kuike and Jessie Joe Parker sit out the fixture for the struggling Hela representative team in round eight of the Digicel Cup competition.
And their absence took a toll on the Wigmen’s fortunes as the team crashed to their sixth straight loss.
In other matches, rugby league fans were treated to a see-sawing contest in the nation’s capital as SBSL Muruks edged out Gulf Isapeas 18-16.
Isapeas fought back from an 18-8 deficit early in the second half only to have their hopes of snatching a gutsy victory dashed by wayward goalkicking from halfback Junior Aria and stand in kicker Collin Aruna.
Two kickable goals one in either half would have  ensured a Gulf win.
In Wabag, Toyota Enga Mioks held off Agmark Rabaul Gurias 8-6 at Johnson Siki Oval to keep their perfect home record, Kongo Coffee Simbu Warriors defeated WGS Mt Hagen Eagles 10-8 in another closely fought tussle at Dickson Oval in Kundiawa and an in-form SNS Port Moresby Vipers forced a 14-14 draw with Snax Lae Tigers in Lae. Heartbreaking as it was for Gulf fans, the Isapeas were guilty of  not putting the game to bed after matching the former premiers in tries.
Still, next week’s clash with the Wigmen could see them on the right end of the scoresheet after 80 minutes.
The Goroka match was a one-sided affair as Lahanis continued their unbeaten stretch at the country’s sports training and education facility.
The Wigmen were expected to be a tough assignment for the Goroka franchise following the Helas’ string of defeats, however, turnstile defence compounded by a rudderless attack added to their 2011 maiden year of dismal performances.
Kumul centre Larsen Marabe playing at lock opened the scorebooks.
Halfback David Mae’s successful conversion had the Wigmen in the lead 6-0 for the most of the first half.
Lahanis winger Spirrow Makaive and centre Thompson Tete replied before halftime with skipper Glen Nami kicking one conversion for a nonchalant10-6 lead at the break.
The defending champions switched to another gear in the second 40 leaving the Wigmen for dead running in tries to winger Kingsley Jaggie, centre John Arme and Joe Bulhage and fullback Adex Wera for a convincing 20-point win.