Tigers defence holds up

By PARKER TAMBUA
DEFENDING champions Lae Tigers maintained their spot in the Digicel Cup top-four when they edged Port Moresby Vipers 20-16 at the Santos National Football Stadium yesterday.
The loss was the Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers’ third on the trot while the Tigers recorded their sixth win of the season.
In the earlier Port Moresby match, Hela Wigmen bounced back from last week’s loss to beat reigning runners-up Waghi Tumbe 28-14.
Tigers wingers Max Vali and Aigaewa Palo starred in their win as they scored doubles. Vali was named man of the match.
For the Vipers, their winger Yeki Benjamin was outstanding as he scored a double in his side’s three-try haul.
The Vipers made big changes after their loss to Mendi Muruks in round nine which saw veterans Enock Maki and Stanton Albert being left out for the Tigers clash.
A few Port Moresby Vipers Academy forwards were given the opportunity to step in.
Another change for the Vipers saw head coach Joe Sipa taking a back seat with academy coach Godfrey Luke guiding the team on Sunday.
Although the Vipers competed all game, Tigers’ Tommy Moide, Philemon Kimisive, captain Roy Kela and former Viper Abel Rami made a big impact in the visitors’ attack.
Former SP Hunter Nicky Hasu and Milex Winis provided direction in the halves as the Lae Biscuit Company-backed Tigers bagged four ties.
Tigers coach Oscar Tonga said he was happy with his side’s defence. “I think our defence won us the game,” Tonga said at fulltime.
“We were under pressure in the final 10 minutes when we were only leading by four points, but we were solid defensively.”