Vipers hold Mioks

Wemin scores late for share of points

By PARKER TAMBUA
A CONTROVERSIAL try saw hosts Port Moresby Vipers snatch a 10-10 draw with the Enga Mioks in round one of the Digicel Cup at Sir John Guise Stadium yesterday.
The Mioks were leading 10-6 when Vipers fullback Ben Wemin crossed over on the left edge four minutes from fulltime.
But replays suggested that the No.1 had grounded the ball on the deadball line. The Mioks protested the try but referee Paul Wani allowed it to stand which saw both sides finish the match with a point each.
The Vipers opened the scoring 13 minutes in when hooker Presley Soto barged over from dummy-half.
But the Enga government-sponsored visitors hit back in the 25th minute with fullback Junior Bobby crossing over for an unconverted try. Mioks then leveled the scores at 6-6 before half-time when Junior Pokapen kicked a penalty goal after Wani ruled a ruck infringement by the Vipers.
The second half showed no improvement from both sides as poor handling continued to dominate the match.
The Vipers had scoring opportunities early in the second half but halves Ase Boas and Philemon Taim failed to capitalise as the Mioks hung on in defence.
The Mioks took a 10-6 lead after Junior Bobby and Larsen Pingi combined to send centre Valentine Wambi over for an unconverted try 20 minutes from fulltime.
With the Mioks switching to defensive mode to protect their lead, the Vipers made use of the remaining time to build pressure which saw Wemin crossing over for the equaliser.
Results: Sat, July 4 – Gurias 30 Eagles 10, Dabaris 18 Isou 6; Sun, July 5 – Tigers 28 Tumbe 8, Muruks 22 Lahanis 10, Wigmen 12 Cutters 4, Vipers 10 Mioks 10.