Vipers eyeing first win

By JACK AMI

THE Port Moresby Vipers are hoping to emulate their fellow capital city side the Gulf Isou by beating the defending premiers in round 3 of the Digicel Cup on Sunday.
The fixture at the National Football Stadium will be ahead of the Q-Cup clash between the PNG Hunters and the Souths Logan Magpies with a good crowd expected at the venue for the triple header – the Chimbu Warriors take on the Hela Wigmen in the third match of the day.
Despite losing their opening two matches Vipers coach Joe Sipa said his side had been their own worst enemies in losses to the Waghi Tumbe (12-26) and the Mendi Muruks (20-24).
“We made too many mistakes and let those sides beat us so hopefully with the changes we’ve made we can get the win over the Tigers,” Sipa said.
Playmaker Benton Leme replaces an injured McKenzie Buka in the halves alongside five-eighth Junior Belo while Thompson Teteh is expected to lead by example in the centres.
“We’re hoping Benton can combine well with Junior and they set up Thompson and our other backs.”
The Vipers also have Hunters squad member Brendon Gotuno at fullback and his clash with The Lae Tigers No.1 Joe Joshua will be worth the price of admission.
“Having Brendon back in the side for this match is a bonus for us.
Nicko Dom will captain the side, who are hoping to register a win against the Tigers who out-muscled the Wigmen 22-6 last week in Lae.
Rd 3 Fixtures: Sun, April 22 – Lahanis v Muruks, Vipers v Tigers, Wigmen v Warriors, Gurias v Isou, Mioks v Tumbe.