Wigmen hold off Mioks

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen recorded their fourth straight win of the Digicel Cup season after defeating Enga Mioks 22-12 in their round-13 clash at the Santos National Football Stadium yesterday.
The scores were level at 6-6 at halftime, but a huge second-half effort from the Kroton-sponsored outfit saw them secure the two competition points and retain the third spot on the 12-team ladder.
The Mioks opened the scoring as Stanley Olo kicked a penalty goal in the 10th minute.
SP Hunter Samuel Yegip was consistent again after his man-of-the-match performance from last week as he scored the Wigmen’s opening try under the uprights in the 15th minute.
Solomon Pokari’s conversion was successful as the Wigmen led 6-2. The Mioks had repeat sets inside the Wigmen’s territory, but they could not score.
The Wigmen maintained their defensive effort until the Mioks scored a try through Ronnie Seronte on the stroke of halftime.
Mioks lock Olo missed the sideline conversion which saw both teams go to the break level. The Seth Rip-coached Wigmen came back stronger in the second half with big runs from forwards Yegip, Manu Kame and captain Valentine Culligan. Forward Tapia Solu scored for the Wigmen in the 51st minute as Pokari’s conversion gave his side a six-point lead.
Five minutes later, the Wigmen extended the scores to 16-6 after winger Siki Konden scored in the corner.
But the Mioks fought their way back into the contest when forward Layon Lipu scored under the uprights.
The Mioks were trailing 12-16 10 minutes from fulltime but failed to create points.
The Wigmen scored the last try of the match via Patrick Morea.
Results: Sun, July 31 – Vipers 24 Gurias 26, Muruks 36 Eagles 6, Isou 6 Dabaris 24, Lahanis 22 Tumbe 12, Tigers 28 Cutters 4, Mioks 12 Wigmen 22.