Vipers prove too strong for Kerowagi side

By ROBINSON LEKA
PORT Moresby Vipers proved too strong for a visiting Kerowagi Coffee Cup side with a 28-0 thumping in Saturday’s trial match at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby.
It was a full-strength Vipers outfit with marquee players Ase Boas, Stargroth Amean and Brendan Gotuno setting the tempo for the Moni Plus-sponsored side to post five unanswered tries.
Kerowagi, under skipper Kasi Gabriel, showed promise in their defence early in the match with forwards Peter Taia and David Kora repelling the Vipers’ attack.
Poor discipline by the visitors saw the Vipers get repeat sets inside their red zone with five-eighth Simon Arana crossing over for the first try of the match 20 minutes in.
Quick hands by Vipers rake Presley Soto saw Gotuno finish off on the right edge for their second try while fullback Manu Soli added a third for the Vipers to lead 16-0 at halftime.
Kerowagi found some relief in the second-half with skipper Gabriel producing some strong carries to find room for their attack.
But, poor handling cost them as the Vipers capitalised on a loose ball to send Soli for his second try.
Vipers winger Brendan Bigam had the final say with a 30m dash to score the last try.
“Looking at the Kerowagi side who came here, they really stepped up against us,” Vipers coach Joe Sipa said.
“They are just raw talents from the villages.
“The Vipers’ experience may have had the edge over them.
“But, all in all, they played a good game.”