Simbiri’s field goal helps premiers edge Mt Hagen Eagles

By PATRICIA KEAMO
HALFBACK Allan Simbiri slotted a field goal to help reigning Digicel Cup champions Hela Wigmen edge Mt Hagen Eagles 11-10 at Port Moresby’s Oil Search National Football Stadium on Saturday. The Wigmen opened scoring through forward Junior Igila in the sixth minute before the Eagles countered with two tries and led in the first half 10-4. The Billy Noi Jr-coached side held their own in the second half with the aim to earn two points following their 20-48 loss to Lae Tigers in round one, however, Charlie Wabo’s side fought back with Siki Konden’s try levelling the scores at 10-all. Both sides attempted to score the winning try in the remaining minutes, but they were unsuccessful until Simbiri slotted a field goal in the 76th minute to seal the win and continue the Wigmen’s perfect start. Although his side earned another two point, Wabo said the players still needed to improve. “Everyone needs to step up and play their role in order for the team to succeed,” he said. “(But) we need to go through ups and downs and learn. Our halves combination was not like last week, it’s slowly building.” Wabo said his side would focus on their line speed and ball control during training this week. Meanwhile, Wigmen’s chief executive Patrick Wundai told The National although their performance was poor, he credited Konden for putting the side back into the contest.