Wabo thrilled to stay in hunt

COACH Charlie Wabo says he is thrilled that his Hela Wigmen are still in the hunt for their second-straight Digicel Cup premiership despite an ordinary campaign in the regular season.
The Kroton-sponsored reigning premiers finished fifth in the 11-round regular season, having recorded six wins and five losses.
They went into Sunday’s elimination final against Port Moresby Vipers as underdogs at the Oil Search National Football Stadium.
But the Wigmen sprung a 20-14 upset win to knock out the Moni Plus-sponsored opposition who were red-hot favourites.
“We are pleased with our efforts in the win over the Vipers,” Wabo said after the match. “Our players started well and scored a few early tries to lead by a handy margin.
“But we made some errors which allowed the Vipers back into the game.
“The message to my players at halftime was to get our kicking game right and build pressure on the Vipers in their own territory and I think they did that.
“It was a great win. “We will prepare well for our next match against Waghi Tumbe.”
The Wigmen will meet Tumbe in the minor semifinal at the Oil Search National Football Stadium on Sunday (3.15pm kick-off).
Meanwhile, Waghi Tumbe coach Baundo Aba said he was excited to guide his team deep into the finals in his rookie season as a head coach in the country’s premier rugby league competition.
“There were some critics at the start and throughout the season, but I’m happy with how far we’ve come,” Aba said.
“Just reaching the finals is an achievement in itself. I’m proud of myself, the team and our coaching staff.”