Wigmen flex muscle in trial

THE Hela Wigmen flexed their muscle ahead of this month’s Digicel Cup opening round with a 36-14 trial win over the Port Moresby Vipers on Saturday.
Played at the Sir John Guise Stadium, the Kroton-sponsored Wigmen, featuring ex-Hunters forward Henry Wan, had too much experience and fire power for city hall’s Vipers.
Wan, a former Kumul, was a welcomed sight for fans as the Western Highlander, who has found a home with the Hela franchise after being released by the Hunters last year, dusted off the cobwebs and showed he could be a force in 2018.
The Wigmen, wearing a Cronulla Sharks strip, out-muscled a younger Vipers pack in the second half after a fairly even opening first 40 minutes.
Wigmen coach Roderick Puname said his game plan of attacking the edges, being patient, trust their fitness had worked out.
Puname said he was pleased with the hit-out and had identified several areas to tidy up before the March 25 opening round of the Digicel Cup.
“We have another two trials before the season starts on March 25. It’ll be good for our squad to get in some game time,” Puname said.
“This match was to have a look at our new recruits and the younger squad members coming through so we can finalise our starting 17 for round one.”
Vipers assistant coach Godfrey Luke was satisfied with the result saying it given his younger players a test of semi-professional football. “We’re rebuilding from last season so it’ll take us another trial and we’ll be better prepared for the start of the Digicel Cup,” Luke said.