Vipers secure minor crown

By JACK AMI
PORT Moresby Vipers Academy sealed the Southern Super League National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) Cup minor premiership with a 24-12 win over Gulf Isou Development at Moresby South Stadium on Wednesday.
Vipers recorded 10 wins and one draw to pocket K10,000 after the final round of the second-tier rugby league competition’s regular season.
Isou got off to a bad start when referee Glenn Paki sent McQuin Yangen off in the 25th minute for swearing, causing the Gulf side to play one man short for the remainder of the 80-minute clash.
The centre was automatically placed on report for his sending off.
Vipers were too smart and fast for Isou as they dominated the match, but the Gulf side put some respectability back into the scoreline when they got to within two points (12-14) of the ladder leaders.
However, they let their hopes slip when Vipers re-grouped and finished strongly to bag their 10th win of the inaugural season.
Vipers’ Reiyo Rex and Philip Olmi crossed over for tries and Brian Pok converted one from two to lead 10-2 at halftime.
Isou’s first points came from a penalty goal by Graham Sinori.
In the second half, Mondo Moriosu crossed over for an unconverted try to see Isou trail 6-10.
Godfrey Luke-coached Vipers responded in the 58th minute through a Simon Kaman try to push themselves out to a 14-6 lead.
Isou’s Billy Eka showed some individual brilliance to evade three Vipers players and score a converted try near the uprights to trail 12-14 in the 64th minute.
But Vipers quashed any hope of a comeback when Charlie Gabriel and Olmi crossed over for a try each with nine minutes remaining.
Junior Kevau converted one of the tries to hand Vipers a 12-point victory.
Luke commended his men for working hard to claim the win.
“We’ve led the competition from the start and it’s great to go to the break with another victory,” he said.
“But it isn’t over yet as we must remain focused for the finals.”
Digicel Cup hopefuls Moresby South Blacks finished in second spot regardless of yesterday’s result against Port Moresby Suburban Ducks. Laumas, Central Dabaris and Isou have also secured spots in the top-six finals which will kick off on Jan 8 after a two-week break.
Ducks’ finals hopes will be determined in a board meeting this week.
Buria Reds or Koiari Nagavas can sneak into the finals, depending on the outcome of the meeting.
The preliminary finals and grand final will be held on Jan 15 and Jan 22 respectively.
The champions will receive the NGCB Cup and K60,000 while the runners-up will claim K30,000.