Wigmen face hot Gurias in curtain-raiser

By JACK AMI
THE Hela Wigmen have a chance to add the Agmark Gurias to their list of scalps when the sides meet in their round 13 Digicel Cup fixture at the National Football Stadium on Sunday.
The 12.30pm match will also act as the curtain-raiser to the Q-Cup clash between the PNG Hunters and the Sunshine Coast Falcons (3pm).
In the late Digicel Cup match, the Port Moresby Vipers take on the Chimbu Warriors at 5pm.
The Wigmen-Gurias match will be a battle of attrition under expected hot and humid conditions and the side that can best conserve its energy and maximise its opportunities should come away with the win.
A win for coach Steven Nightgale’s side will see the East New Britons edge closer to the No.1 spot currently held by the Enga Mioks.
Wigmen coach Roderick Puname has thrown down the gauntlet saying his side are keen on taking on the in-form Gruias who blow the hapless Gulf Isou off the park last week with a 54-4 win.
Gurias halves Solomon Pokari and William Mone go head to head with Hela’s David Joseph and Enoch Kewa in a battle of the brians.
Wigmen hooker Stanley Olo will be key factor for the Highlanders as he calls the shots for forwards Messach Wallen, Ham Tina, Bernard Lama and Benjamin Hetra come into play.
Olo will be up against the equally wily Brian Gispe who will have Tuvi Lepan, Dickson Amea, Billy Torea and Kinston Paul at his disposal.
The Gurias could also be further boosted with the inclusion of Hunters duo Dilbert Isacc and Ila Alu but this will not be known until game day.
Rd 13 Fixtures: Sun, July 1 – Hela Wigmen v Agmark Gurias, Port Moresby Vipers v Chimbu Warriors, Waghi Tumbe v Mendi Muruks, Goroka Lahanis v Lae Tigers, Enga Mioks v Gulf Isou.