Vipers end losing run in round 12

THE Port Moresby Vipers ended a four-game losing streak with an 18-14 win over Mt Hagen Eagles in round 12 of Digicel Cup on Saturday.
Yunny Patrick’s successful conversion of the three tries scored by Vick Kevau Jnr, Karis Peter and Frank Tole helped Vipers returned to their winning form under newly appointed coach Andrew Andiki.
The match at the Santos National Football Stadium resumed the National Rugby League competition after a two-week break.
Vipers were eager to rebound from falling to the bottom of the ladder after an impressive start of the 2022 season. This this success came after the Moni Plus sponsored side struck first through outside centre Kevau 12 minutes in which saw Patrick successfully converting the goal.
The Eagles responded through five-eighth Garry James, who danced his way through Vipers defence after scooping a loose ball. The match was tied at six-all on halftime. The second stanza was classy for Eagles as they scored the opening try in the first set when inside centre Desmond Michael sliced Vipers for the four-pointer under the uprights. Eagles took an early lead in the second 40 and maintained a good ball possession.
Vipers injected Ase Gima, Kora Lega and Benjamin Timothy to boost their round 12 performance. Kora looked dangerous on the wing, combining with Kevau on the left.
Patrick equalised the score at 12-all on the 49th minute through a try by halfback Karis Peter. The game looked either way in the last quarter and eventually Eagles slotted in a penalty goal after Vipers skipper Fedro Gene was sin-binned for high tackle on the 66th minute.
Eagles took a 14-12 lead, running into the last five minutes of the game but failed to grip the ball tight to register the fourth win of the season.
Vipers looked worried but Patrick’s brilliant kicking game produced an extra set for them after an impressive kick. Vipers capitalised on this play with the man-of-the-match Peter creating an overlap to send in winger Tole for the winning try on the right edge.
Vipers coach Andiki Andrew said the next remaining games will be crucial for the team.