Wigmen survive first half scare

HELA Wigmen survived a first-half scare by Gulf Isou to win 22-8 and continue their perfect start to the Digicel Cup season at Port Moresby’s Oil Search National Football Stadium yesterday.
Trailing 4-6 until the 59th minute, Isou stayed in the contest and kept the defending premiers under pressure for most of the match.
But the Bagelo Solien-coached side lost their way in the last 20 minutes when the Wigmen scored three quick, unanswered tries as they ran away with the win.
Isou scored early in the match through winger Obert Muri. A successful conversion saw them lead 4-0.
After several failed attempts to crack Isou’s defence, the Wigmen finally scored their first try four minutes from halftime when forward Tommy Moide barged his way over the line.
A successful conversion saw them lead 6-4.
The game was still in the balance early in the second half. However, the momentum shifted in favour of the Wigmen when Isou hooker Charles Kimbi was sin binned for a high shot on Moide.
A fired-up Moide made Isou pay when he muscled his way over to score his second try. Allan Simbiri’s conversion saw the Wigmen lead 12-4.
The Wigmen scored again while Isou were still one man short as Junior Igila dived over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Second-rower Missach Welen scored again for the Wigmen after two minutes as Simbiri’s conversion gave them a 22-4 lead.
Isou hung on in defence in the last 10 minutes and scored a consolation try through Muri who completed his double.
Wigmen coach Charlie Wabo said he wasn’t happy with his side’s first-half performance.
“We were very scrappy for most part of the game, but the boys really dug deep in the last 25 minutes to get the win,” he said.