Wigmen into finals

Hela side make Digicel Cup playoffs for first time in 5yrs

By JACK AMI
Hela Wigmen booked the sixth and final spot of the Digicel Cup playoffs with a 44-16 victory over Central Dabaris in the last round of the regular season in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Wigmen scraped through to the top-six at the expense of last year’s grand finalists Enga Mioks, who lost 20-10 to Rabaul Gurias at the Kalabond Oval.
The Wigmen, who scored eight tries to the Dabaris’ two, are making their first appearance in the finals since their premiership-winning season in 2014.
They held a 22-0 at the break and their lead was never really threatened by the Dabaris, who finished 11th in the 12-team semi-professional competition.
The Wigmen’s tries were scored by Richard Tuweyo, Emmanuel Waine, Ricky Horika, Ham Tina, Yaksy Kila, Nanduka Rame, Gilmo Paul, Dobi Michael. Tombal Peter and man-of-match Michael kicked three conversions each.
Dabaris’ tries were scored by Makara Hura, Kaupa Rex, Allan Simbiri. Simbiri converted two goals.
Debutants Dabaris started the year strongly but faded as the season wore on.
Minor premiers Lae Snax Tigers, JPG Waghi Tumbe, Gurias, Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Wamp Nga Hagen Eagles and the Wigmen have sealed their spots in the finals.
Tigers and Kimbe Cutters have a wash-out match to play this weekend.
Wigmen coach Andiki Andrew said: “We aimed to score at least 40 points against the Dabaris and we surpassed the mark by limiting our errors in attack.
“We did not bother about the Mioks-Gurias game but concentrated on beating the Dabaris at home.
“Our forwards worked overtime in gain yardage and our backline were clinical in attack, which paid off handsomely.
“But it’s not over yet. We have to prepare for the playoffs.”
In the early encounters, PRK Gulf Isou and NCDC Port Moresby Vipers ended their season on a positive note with wins over the Mendi Muruks (23-20) and Mt Hagen Eagles (26-6) respectively.
Isou coach Colin Geno praised his players for finishing the season strongly despite the Gulf side not making the finals.
“We just missed out (on the playoffs) after losing crucial games at home,” he said.
“I hope we maintain the bulk of our players for next season and include several new ones with good size and height.”
Results: Lahanis 6 Tigers 2, Gurias 20 Mioks 10, Wigmen 44 Dabaris 16, Isou 23 Muruks 20, Vipers 26 Eagles 6, Tumbe 18 Cutters 16.