Soaring Gulf Isou eye Port Moresby Vipers for fifth scalp

GULF Isou have made it to the top of the Digicel Cup ladder for the first time in club’s history, but they face an uphill challenge in the form of Port Moresby Vipers in the nation’s capital on Sunday (1pm kick-off).
The round-five Digicel Cup fixture at Santos National Football Stadium will see Isou chasing their fifth-straight win while the Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers will be eager to stay in the top-six of the 12-team competition.
Isou coach Roger Laka said last Sunday after the win over Enga Mioks that the game against the Vipers would be a tough encounter for his men.
“We want to our players to have a good rest and recover before our next game against the Vipers,” Laka said.
“We are happy with the four wins so far in the season, but we must be prepared for the next game which will be another challenge.”
Isou will count on their spine of David Joseph, Joel Tapie, Woods Kawage and Jerry Teme who have been consistent so far.
Fullback Gabby Taune, who continues to make an impact in Isou’s attack, will look to cause problems for the Vipers’ defence.
Meanwhile, the Vipers have recorded a loss against Hela Wigmen and draw against Waghi Tumbe last week following their two-straight wins to open the season.
The Vipers are fifth on the ladder with five points and a loss on Sunday could see them drop further down.
The kicking nous of five-eighth Yunny Patrick and leadership of playmaker Karis Peter will be crucial to the Joe Sipa-coached side.