Vipers find rhythm for Tigers clash

PORT Moresby Vipers believe they have found their mojo as they prepare to host Lae Tigers at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday (12.30pm kick-off).
Following the clash, reigning champions Hela Wigmen will look to rebound from last Sunday’s loss to Tigers with a round-seven Digicel Cup win over fellow title contenders Mendi Muruks (3pm).
Assistant coach Joe Sipa will take charge of the Vipers in the interim as the Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers look to hand the Lae Biscuit Company-backed Tigers their first loss of the season.
Vipers manager Ronnie Titie Jr told The National on Wednesday that it was great opportunity to test themselves against the benchmark of the 12-team rugby league competition.
“We have a very big game against the Tigers,” Titi said.
“The result will determine how we finish going into the finals.
“Seeing how the team performed against the Lahanis after a reshuffle in the coaching roles, I think we are getting into the rhythm.
“The combinations seem to have improved.
“We would like to maintain the same winning side from round six.
“But Ade Kawa and Shane Nigel seemed to have picked up minor injuries last week.
“We are not sure if both players will be available but hopefully we should know by Friday (today).”
Meanwhile, Wigmen coach Charlie Wabo will be expecting a response from his men who will keen to keep the Muruks at Bay.
But with both sides on 10 points apiece, the Muruks will be confident of a win themselves as they look to keep pace with the Stanley Tepend-coached Tigers. Fixtures: Sat, July 17 — Gurias v Isou; Sun, July 18 — Vipers v Tigers, Wigmen v Muruks, Mioks v Dabaris, Tumbe v Eagles, Cutters v Lahanis.