Vipers sink Gurias

By MICHAEL WARTOVO
PORT Moresby Vipers fought back from a 0-12 first-half deficit to record their fifth-straight victory with a 22-14 win over hosts Rabaul Gurias at the Kalabond Oval in Kokopo on Saturday.
The Moni Plus-sponsored Vipers and Mendi Muruks, who beat previous ladder leaders Lae Tigers 8-4 in the Morobe capital yesterday, are the form sides of the 12-team competition.
The Agmark-sponsored Gurias opened the scoring through a try by centre Benjamin Emil after a neat backline move. Halfback Mark Alunga added the extras for a 6-0 lead.
The visiting Vipers tightened their defence in the opening 10 minutes but could not hold out the Gurias’ sleek backs who set up lock Francis Takai to score near the uprights off a scrum win.
Former Junior Papua New Guinea Kumul Alunga converted the try to give the home side a handy 12-0 lead.
The Vipers responded through forward Maya Clark and halfback Karis Peter who scored a try each. Five-eighth Yunny Patrick converted one try and missed the other.
After the break, Vipers fullback John Stanley and utility back Kingstimer Paraia crossed over for tries which were both converted by Patrick.
Vipers coach Joe Sipa commended his men for fighting back to beat the Gurias on their home turf.
The Gurias will now face Enga Mioks, who beat reigning champions Hela Wigmen 20-18 in Wabag yesterday, in the final round of the regular season this weekend.
Results: Sat, Aug 7 — Rabaul Gurias 14 Vipers 22; Sun, Aug 8 — Isou 18 Eagles 17, Tumbe 12 Lahanis 8, Mioks 20 Wigmen 18, Dabaris 30 Cutters 12, Tigers 4 Muruks 8.