Vipers sink fangs into Eagles

THE Port Moresby Vipers opened their 2023 account with a convincing 30-10 win over the visiting Mt Hagen Eagles in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup’s first round.
The MoniPlus-sponsored outfit dominated the game with a six-try haul as hooker Supa George starred in the win scoring two tries and earn the player-of-the-match award. The Eagles scored in the 10th minutes for a 4-0 lead before George responded for Vipers with a dart from dummy-half a few minutes later. Vipers half Nick Hasu failed to convert his No.9’s try and the scores were tied 4-4.
The Vipers had the running on a hot and sunny afternoon with utility Milex Winis crashing over beside the uprights to the capital franchise the lead.
Hasu slotted the conversion for the Joe Sipa-coached go 10-4 ahead in the first half.
The second half saw Vipers continue from where they left off highlighted by big runs by rugged ball-runner back Philemon Kimisive, Fedro Gene and current PNG Hunters-loaned player Julius Yakopa. The home side’s dominance of the ruck allowed their potent backline time and space to attack with Edene Gebbie crossing in the 55th minute.