Wigmen survive scare

By PARKER TAMBUA
HELA Wigmen survived a late onslaught by Enga Mioks as they held on to win 20-18 in their Digicel Cup elimination final at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Mioks almost pulled off an upset when Wigmen forward Samuel Yegip was sin-binned in the 74th minute.
The Enga government-sponsored side scored through Abraham Walis three minutes from full-time which set up a grand stand finish.
Scrambling defence saw the Kroton-sponsored Wigmen hold on in the final minute to book a semifinal against Lae Tigers, who beat Central Dabaris in the other elimination final yesterday.
The Wigmen scored first in the opening five minutes through fullback Sylvester Bulu.
The conversion by Tapia Solu was successful.
After several failed attempts near the Wigmen’s tryline, the Mioks eventually scored through forward Paul Tapie. Noel Joel’s conversion was successful.
The Wigmen regained an 8-6 lead three minutes from halftime when Solu kicked a penalty goal.
The rake then scored a try early in the second half and converted it for a 14-6 lead.
The Mioks responded in the 57th when fullback Darren Anabe scored a converted try.
Wigmen captain Valentine Culligan extended his side’s lead to 20-12 when he scored five minutes later and Allan Simbiri added the extras.
Walis scored a late try, but the Wigmen held on to win.
Wigmen coach Seth Rip said after the game that he was happy with his forwards who laid the platform for his side.
“Our big boys in the middle, led by Samuel Yegip and Valentine Culligan, really stood up and led the team well,” Rip said.
“But our ball security was very poor
“That is something that we need to improve on.”