Tiger Joshua stars with hat-trick

LAE Tigers fullback Joe Joshua starred with a hat-trick of tries in their 28-12 win over the Port Moresby Vipers in their round 12 Digicel Cup clash in Lae yesterday.
Joshua cross his first try in the seventh minute and winger David Lapua crashed over for the hosts to take a 10-0 lead by the 20th minute mark.
The fourth placed Vipers got on the board via a Benton Leme penalty to trail 10-2.
Vipers aptain Nicko Dom barged over for a four-pointer to shorten the gap (10-8) at halftime.
Tigers captain Ishmel Balkawa and his pack kicked on in the second stanza to lay a great platform for Joshua to bag his second try in the 62nd minute.
Five-eighth Edwin Ipape went over for a try to put the game beyond doubt at 28-8.
Vipers flyer Rex Tandoa scored a late consolation try off a Shane Haro break.
Tigers 28 (Joe Joshua 3, David Lapua, Edwin Ipape tries; Charlie Simon 4 con) Vipers 12 (Jaybee Dom, Rex Tandoa tries; Benton Leme con, pen). HT: 10-8 (Tigers) at Lae Rugby League Ground.
Results: Sat, June 23 – Gulf Isou 4 Agmark Gurias 54; Sun, June 24 – Lae Tigers 28 Port Moresby Vipers 12, Goroka Lahanis 20 Mendi Muruks 14, Hela Wigmen 20 Chimbu Warriors 17, Waghi Tumbe 18 Enga Mioks 18.