Vipers keep winning side for Lahanis clash

Sports

PORT Moresby Vipers coach Joe Sipa will retain the side that shocked the Lae Tigers when they take on the visiting Goroka Lahanis in Port Moresby.
Sipa said he would not be changing a winning combination and only encouraged his side to play with confidence and self-belief.
After last Sunday’s 38-12 win over the defending champions, the Vipers, who had been without a victory over nine rounds, Sipa said his side had turned a corner and facing the Lahanis was something they relished.
Coming from two close loses to Enga Mioks (10-6) and Mendi Muruks (8-6) and then an impressive win over the Tigers, Sipa said that showed his side were a quality outfit despite the criticism that had been levelled at them over the season.
Sipa said the Goroka side would be hard to overcome but his pack led by Supa George contained the Tigers big men and he was confident they would be up to dealing with the Lahanis’ Gonzella Urakusie, Bernard Tatsim and Eddie Daffa.
Sipa added halves in former Gulf Isapea five-eighth Solomon Pokari and the former Hunters utility Ate Bina at the half back would continue to develop the partnership with positive results.
The Lahanis are on eight points and need to win to keep their finals hopes alive.
In related news, the Tumbe-Muruks fixture scheduled for Minj was cancelled because of the election counting taking place there.
Standings: Tigers 14, Wigmen 13, Muruks 12, Guria 11, Mioks 10, Lahanis 8, Tumbe 6, Vipers 2. Fixtures: Sun, July 30 – Gurias v Wigmen, Mioks v Tigers.