Race for top spot still on

By MELTON PAIS
WITH two games left in the regular season the Enga Mioks (24 points) and the Agmark Gurias (23) are a point apart in the top two with the Digicel Cup minor premiership prize ahead of the finals.
The rest of the top five contenders are Waghi Tumbe (21), Lae Tigers (20), Hela Wigmen (17) and Goroka Lahanis (17).
Of these teams, the battle for fifth spot looks set to be a tough one between the Wigmen and the Lahanis — who face off in their round 17 fixture on Sunday.
Competition manager Stanley Hondina said places in the top and bottom of the final five were still undecided making the final two rounds compeling viewing.
“The standings have Mioks on top with 24 points and the Gurias in second with 23, Tumbe third with 21, Tigers 20 while the Wigmen and Lahanis are on 17 points,” Hodina said.
“The last two games will decide the minor premiership and which side finishes in fifth spot.
“Mioks had a strong start to the season and even though they lost a couple they still look good to finish on top with one of their last two games at home,” Hondina said of the Wabag side who host the Port Moresby Vipers this weekend.
The Mioks then face the Chimbu Warriors in the final round in Minj.
“The Gurias, who are a chance for the minor premiership, have to beat the Muruks in Mendi this weekend to stay in the hunt.”
Hondina said defending champions were on track to make the finals as they face the Warriors this weekend in Lae and then travel to Kokopo next week to take on the Gurias.
The wooden spoon title looks to be going to the Warriors who have a tough final two clashes against the Tigers and Mioks. Standings: Enga Mioks 24, Agmark Gurias 23, Waghi Tumbe 21, Lae Tigers 20, Hela Wigmen 17, Goroka Lahanis 17, Port Moresby Vipers 15, Mendi Muruks 13, Gulf Isou 6, Chimbu Warriors 4.