Vipers going for third straight win against Wigmen

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers will be eyeing their third straight Digicel Cup win when they face Hela Wigmen in round three at the Santos National Football Stadium in the nation’s capital on Sunday (3:30pm kick-off).
On the other hand, 2020 premiers Wigmen will look to bounce back from their 14-20 loss to Enga Mioks last Sunday. The Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers struggled against an equally-determined Gurias side to win by a Karis Peter field goal.
Vipers coach Joe Sipa said he was proud of his team’s effort.
He said he was confident that his men would continue their perfect start.
“We still need more improvement in our attack and defence,” Sipa said. “The Gurias gave us a good challenge, but we got the win.
“We just need to keep improving in each game.”
With the Kroton-sponsored Wigmen based out of Port Moresby, any clash between the two sides has always been entertaining.
Wigmen halves Tony Wemin and Solomon Pokari struggled last weekend as they turned over possession easily. But the pair will look to improve and communicate well with hooker Patrick Morea to trouble the Vipers.
The forwards battle is expected to be interesting as the Vipers will be boosted by an experienced pack in Stanton Albert, Enock Maki, Fedro Gene and Aaron Kamba.
The Wigmen pack will be led by captain Valentine Culligan, Jeffrey Robert, former Viper Manu Kame and Tapia Solu.
Meanwhile, the other two matches of the Port Moresby triple-header will see Kimbe Cutters battle Central Dabaris (11.30am) and Gulf Isou host Goroka Lahanis (1.30pm).
The Lae Rugby League Ground will also host a double-header on Sunday with Mendi Muruks meeting Rabaul Gurias and Lae Tigers hosting Mt Hagen Eagles.
In Wabag, Enga Mioks will host Waghi Tumbe at the Aipus Oval.