Vipers fight back to edge Wigmen

 By JACK AMI
PORT Moresby Vipers half-back Telix Kawage’s decisive four-pointer in the 73rd minute edged Hela Wigmen 12-10, in round seven of the Digicel Cup in Port Moresby on Sunday.
After referee Robin Talopa awarded the try disgruntled Wigmen supporters, hurled empty water containers, betel nut spittle and a beer can onto the field.
Kawage had scored a legitimate try by grounding the ball as he was being tackled by two Wigmen defenders and Taolpa ruled accordingly.
Wigmen players accepted Talopa’s decision and did not protest but when their fans became rowdy, play was held up for several minutes for the situation in the stands to cool down.
This was despite the presence of police and security personnel. Kawage, who had dropped two balls in the opposition’s 10m red zone earlier in the match, made up for that with the crucial try after the Vipers trailed Wigmen 10-8 for the best part of the game.
Wigmen were leading 10-4 at half-time.
In the 52nd minute, Wari Varage Jr scooted over the white line to cut the leeway for the Vipers by two points.
Both sides were desperate but solid defence and dropped balls again denied them before Kawage pounced for his match-winner.
In the other matches of the round, Agmark Gurias 30 beat Gulf Isapea 0, Hagen Eagles put down Simbu Lions 18-12, Mendi Muruks 32 beat Waghi Tumbe 14, and Lae Tigers defeated  Enga Mioks 20-12.