Tumbe, Cutters eager to bounce back in third round

By MICHAEL PHILIP
WAGHI Tumbe and Kimbe Cutters will be looking to bounce back into the winner’s circle this weekend in round three of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup competition.
Both teams were thrashed last weekend with Tumbe getting a beating from Port Moresby Vipers with a 20-12 loss while Cutters were beaten 30-22 by competition heavyweights Hela Wigmen.
“We’ve given a good and proper test to our Vipers brothers unfortunately we didn’t get the win,” Tumbe head coach Baundo Abba told The National.
“Despite the loss, we’re still standing strong on our plan to give exposure to the new comers in the team.
“I think there’s a really big improvement already comparing our first and second game. These boys have improved a lot.
“You can see in our result in the second game against the Vipers where we nearly put them off, so that’s exactly what we want to see. Few key areas that needs adjustment and improvement we have been working on.
“The competition is getting tough now so the need to win games is a priority, play consistent football and try as much as we can to avoid injuries. But all in all we’re prepared to host the Muruks here.”
Meanwhile, Cutters head coach Albert Patak told The National that discipline was a major focus during training over the week.
“Wasn’t really pleased with the boys’ performance last weekend because we’ve lost a lot of opportunities to score points,” he said.
“We lack discipline, however, we have been working hard on that to improve this weekend. Just ball handling and security, unnecessary penalties, our tackles as well these are few areas we don’t want to do again this weekend but otherwise the boys are ready for round 3.”
The Tumbe will face Mendi Muruks in Minj at the Johna Ambane Oval while Cutters will travel to Apo land to face Goroka Lahanis.