Vipers hand Tigers first loss

PORT Moresby Vipers bagged a 20-16 win to hand Digicel Cup ladder leaders Lae Tigers their first loss of the season at the Oil Search National Football Stadium yesterday.
The win was the Moni Plus-sponsored side’s second-straight win under interim coach Joe Sipa who took over the role a fortnight ago.
The Vipers scored three tries in the first half to the Tigers’ two. Vipers five-eighth Yunny Patrick only converted one try as did Tigers’ Jamie Movoko with the hosts leading 14-10 at halftime.
The Vipers didn’t score a try in the second half, however, they managed to kick three penalty goals through the boot of Patrick which extended their lead to 20-10.
The Tigers put on a late surge in the last four minutes after centre Joshua Lau took an intercept from Vipers’ Karis Peter to score under the uprights. Movoko’s conversion made it a four-point ball game in the final three minutes as the Tigers trailed 16-20.
The home side held off the Tigers onslaught as they hung on for the win.
Sipa commended his men for their defence.
“We’ve been working really hard on our defence during the week in preparation for the Tigers,” he said.
“I’m glad it has paid off and we are happy with the win.
“Another weakness that we’ve been working on is the handling errors.
“Our statistics are poor but we really made a huge improvement in the last two games when I took over as coach. I think that alone has contributed to our two-straight wins.”
The Vipers tries in the first half were scored by Aaron Kamba, fullback John Stanley and winger Frank Tole.
The Tigers’ first-half tries were scored by fullback Sanny Wabo and centre Roderick Tai.
Despite the loss, the Tigers still lead the 12-team ladder on points difference. Results: Sat, July 17 — Gurias 32 Isou 8; Sun, July 18 — Vipers 20 Tigers 16, Mioks 24 Dabaris 16, Tumbe 22 Eagles 10, Lahanis 18 Cutters 16, Muruks 18 Wigmen 16.