Port Moresby Vipers beat South Blacks in trial match

THE Port Moresby Vipers’ regular side beat Moresby South Blacks 20-12 in a trial match at Moresby South Stadium yesterday.
In the other trial match earlier, Port Moresby Vipers Team Two defeated Motu-Koita Lagatois 10-4.
The trial matches were initiated by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko.
Moresby South Rugby League president Brown Murema told The National after the trial that he was satisfied with the Blacks’ performance despite the loss.
Murema said the players who would form the Moresby South Blacks for the 2022 Digicel Cup (if their bid is successful) were with other teams.
“We have our products who are playing with the Hela Wigmen, Vipers and Central Dabaris,” Murema said.
“Once our bid is successful, all the players from Moresby South will return to form the Blacks.
“We are only testing our second-choice players in these trials and I don’t think we’ll have any problem next year.
“The Blacks are building a strong team and we are ready for 2022.”
The Bagelo Solien-coached Blacks scored a try each through centre Jason Maima and winger Peejay Solien. Five-eighth Michael Timothy converted both tries.
For the Vipers, Ben Wemin starred in their win as he set up a try and scored one himself. The Vipers scored four tries with only two successful conversions.