Wigmen force stalemate

ENGA Mioks’ hope of registering a win in 2024 fell short again after a late try by Hela Wigmen’s Siki Konden forced the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup round four match into draw with 16-16 score line.
In the other matches played earlier, Kimbe Cutters beat Waghi Tumbe 18-8 while Goroka Lahanis recorded their first win in 2024, beating Gulf Isou 14-8 to complete the triple header in Port Moresby.
In the double header at the Lae Rugby League Ground, Lae Tigers were beaten by the visiting Rabaul Gurias 12-16 while Mendi Muruks remained unbeaten in 2024, beating Port Moresby Vipers 24-18.
The only match played on Saturday was in Minj which saw Mt Hagen Eagles and Central Dabaris drew at 18-18.
Muruks are sitting on top of the 12-team competition ladder while Eagles are running second.
Mioks led 16-12 with 90 seconds to go but a crucial six-again call by referee Manau Kema to Wigmen provided much needed possession as Konden scored in the corner.
The late try also got Mioks players, coaching staff on the sideline and fans fuming as referee had to rush into the tunnel after the fulltime hooter. The defending premiers scored early in the game through second-rower Bradley Angra as they led 6-0.
Wigmen responded in the 15th minute when halfback Benton Leme scored beside the uprights. However, Leme failed to convert his own try as they trailed by two points.
Mioks winger Brendon Anis scored in the corner in the 21st minute which saw the Billy Gau-coached side led 12-4 with perfect conversions from Andy Tand yesterday.
Wigmen scored their second try on the stroke of halftime through winger Jeremy Slain, who was also making his intercity debut in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mioks led 12-10 at halftime but the two teams drew level again early in the second-half through a penalty goal by Wigmen hooker Shalom Bawa. Mioks got back in the lead when fullback Joel William made a break and scored in 60th minute. Tand failed to convert as the Mioks led 16-12 before Konden scored for Wigmen in the 79th minute which denied Mioks in what could have been their first win in 2024.