Substitute Minoga scores double to help Mioks win

By LARRY ANDREW
FORMER Tiger Willie Minoga came off the bench to score a double as the Enga Mioks beat the Kimbe Cutters 18-10 at the Lae Rugby League Ground on Sunday.
In wet conditions, it took the Mioks 25 minutes to breach the Cutters defence with Minoga crashing over for an unconverted try after Kimbe were penalised for a shoulder charge.
But the Cutters responded through fullback Jah Hogan who crassed over, with halfback Tony Ponda making sure of the conversion to give themselves a 6-4 lead.
Mioks five-eighth and player-coach Roger Laka opted for a penalty shot at goal from 30m to equalise in the second half when referee Max Topani penalized the Cutters for an illegal strip.
Laka’s men scored their second four-pointer when Minoga barged his way over to complete his double with a converted try.
Former SP Hunter Laka added another penalty to extend the Mioks’ lead to 14-6.
Despite one player being sin-binned and another sent off, the Cutters responded with an unconverted try through winger Edward Yukil to trail 10-14.
From the restart, the Mioks gained possession off a scrum before Laka produced an inside pass to centre Missach Welen who sealed the match with an unconverted try.
Meanwhile, the first game of Lae’s double-header was one-way traffic for the Mendi Muruks as the Southern Highlands franchise eased past Gulf Isou with a 40-4 victory. After leading 6-0 at halftime, the Muruks went on to score six more tries with halfback Melix Wanis kicking five conversions and substitute Yewiya Dikala booting one.
Isou scored a consolation try through Junior Hoki. The Muruks, who are fourth on the ladder, will face hosts and competition leaders Lae Tigers on Sunday (3.15pm kick-off).