Vipers out for revenge

By PARKER TAMBUA
PORT Moresby Vipers say they have an unfinished business with Hela Wigmen as the Moni Plus-sponsored side aim to avenge their heartbreaking 8-12 loss in last year’s Digicel Cup semifinal.
Vipers coach Joe Sipa told The National yesterday that his men were prepared to end the Kroton-sponsored opposition’s hopes of back-to-back titles.
Both sides meet in Sunday’s elimination final at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby (3.15pm kick-off).
“When the Wigmen knocked us out in the semifinal at Sir John Guise Stadium last year, it really hurt us, the players, coaching staff and sponsors,” Sipa said.
“We reached the 2020 finals for the first time in six years.
“We were desperate to reach the grand final but fell short.
“This time, we want to settle the scores with a win over the Wigmen. Our players have recovered well from last week’s win over Mendi Muruks in Lae and have trained hard all week.”
Sipa said the Charlie Wabo-coached Wigmen would be competitive despite their recent form.
“We respect them, we know they will compete strongly,” the former Kumul said.
“The crowd will be behind them as well but we’ve proven with our recent success at Kokopo’s Kalabond Oval and over in Lae last week that such scenarios won’t distract us for the 80 minutes.”
Meanwhile, Wabo said after their loss to in-form Waghi Tumbe last week that his men would need to be mentally tougher against the Vipers.
“We really need to work on our preparation in that regard,” the former Kumuls rake said.
“We seem to have lacked in that area in the second half of the season.
“It’s a do-or-die die clash so my men have to show more composure too.”
The other elimination final will see Tumbe look to continue their winning streak against sixth-placed Rabaul Gurias (1pm).
Fixtures: Sun, Aug 22 — Tumbe v Gurias (1pm), Vipers v Wigmen (3.15pm).