Tigers out to redeem pride

ROUND 11 of the Digicel Cup features several crunch matches, with competition leaders Lae Tigers looking to redeem themselves against the Waghi Tumbe.
Stanley Tepend’s side lost 18-10 to the Hela Wigmen after conceding to two late tries in the second-half at the Lae Rugby League Oval and the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored side is expected to be focused for Sunday’s clash with the Jiwaka side.
David Loko’s form has been solid throughout the season and the back-rower can make another statement if he leads his side to a big win over the rugged Tumbe.
Tigers centre Pasu Awane is the other player in the black-and-orange, who is having a stellar season and is one to watch.
In Goroka, the Lahanis poor form will get another stern test by the Enga Mioks at the Sir Danny Leahy Oval.
The out-of-form Eastern Highlanders have nothing but their pride left to play for but the Mioks, led by Rex Yallon, will not be forgiving nor will they have sympathy for the second-last Lahanis.
In Port Moresby at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, the Petroleum Resources Kutubu-sponsored franchises, the Gulf Isapea and Mendi Muruks, duel for what will probably a spot in the top-five.
The Isapea have fallen away since their bright start to the season while the Muruks have struggled for consistency over the last couple of rounds and the weekend’s clash is a match that could give either side a mid-season jump start with five rounds to go.
Captain Bernard Goma’s men have come close in their last two matches but need to put in a complete effort to grab the two competition points over a lightweight Muruks outfit.
Round 11 Fixtures: Tigers v Tumbe, Eagles v Wigmen, Lahanis v Mioks, Gurias v Lions. Standings: Tigers 17, Eagles 15, Gurias 14, Tumbe 13, Mioks 13, Wigmen 11, Muruks 10, Isapea 7, Vipers 7, Lions 7, Lahanis 6.