Vipers award players for efforts

PORT Moresby Vipers’ Brandon Gotuno, Ase Boas and Enoch Maki were named as the club’s top try scorer, top point scorer and best forward at their awards night on Thursday.
The Vipers finished the Digicel Cup regular season in fourth place with eight wins, one draw and two losses in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop congratulated the 2013 premiers for reaching the finals for the first time in six years.
He said he was confident that the Vipers’ best was yet to come and that next year would be a big season for the city’s flagship team.
“I congratulate the Vipers for finishing well this season,” club patron Parkop said.
“We’ve finally reach the finals for the first time in six years.
“We have broken our finals drought and that is a great achievement for the team.
“Although the Vipers did not make the grand final, we are proud of their performances this season.”
The governor thanked their sponsors, including Moni Plus and J Mart, for supporting the club this season.
He said the sponsors had played a big part in restoring the Vipers’ flair which had been missing in the last six seasons.
Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) manager Stanley Hondina said it was great to see the Vipers receiving good support from their sponsors.
“On behalf of the PNG Rugby Football League and PNGNRLC, I congratulate the Vipers for an outstanding season,” he told the club.
“You have achieved something by making the finals after six years.
“You played well all season and that’s professionalism.
“It’s good to see a lot of support for the Vipers this year.
“I think it is only going to get better and the Vipers will come back stronger next year.”
Coach Leonard Tarum said he was proud of his side’s performances throughout the season.