Vipers skipper Dom shifts to centre for Lahanis clash

By MELTON PAIS

PORT Moresby Vipers captain Nicko Dom will start in the centres replacing Sparrow Thomas, who will be rested this weekend, for the round 9 Digicel Cup clash against the Goroka Lahanis.
Vipers coach Joe Sipa said Dom, who has led the side well from the back-row in the opening eight rounds, will add some more starch to the city side’s left edge.
Dom, a strong ball-carrier and a hard hitter on defence, will be looked on to engage with an expected rugged Lahanis at the National Football Stadium.
Sipa said hard-running back Ade Kawa was shifted to the second row taking up Dom’s role and will add another dimension to the National Capital District Commission-sponsored side.
Sipa added that half Ate Bina Wabo was also rested and McKenzie Buka had been put into the five-eighth role would partner up with No.7 Benton Leme. “We have two debutants, Jordon Ted and Fedro Gene who will come off the bench making their debuts this weekend,” Sipa said.
“Apart from these minor changes, all players from last weekend’s 25-24 win over the Mioks is the same.”
The third-placed Vipers proved their mettle at NFS last Sunday with the gutsy one-point win over the Mioks and will now look to take down another Highlands franchise in the Lahanis. The Eastern Highlanders are in the seventh spot on the table .
The Vipers are hoping to add another scalp and stretch their winning streak to four.
Sipa said set completions and territory would be their focus.
“We’ll defend hard and complete our sets and take our opportunities.”
Round 9 Fixtures: Sun, June 3 – Vipers v Lahanis, Tigers v Gurias, Muruks v Isou, Tumbe v Wigmen, Mioks v Warriors.