Wigmen’s Yegip bags hat-trick on return from Hunters

SP Hunter Samuel Yegip made an immediate impact on his return to the Digicel Cup as he scored a double in his Hela Wigmen’s 22-12 win over Goroka Lahanis yesterday.
The round-12 fixture saw the Wigmen dominate for a four-try haul to the Lahanis’ two at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
With the Wigmen retaining the third spot on the 12-team ladder, coach Seth Rip said his men were eyeing another premiership with five games remaining in the regular season.
“We were scrappy in the first half with the Lahanis building pressure before the break,” he said.
“We are consistent which is good.
“We have to continue the momentum heading into the finals.
“Hopefully, we reach the grand final.”
The Wigmen scored early in the game through winger Lape Pape in the corner. Solomon Pokari failed to convert which saw them lead 4-0. Second-rower Joshua Nogoya burst through to score beside the uprights in the 26th minute before Pokari’s conversion made it 10-0.
The Lahanis scored a try through winger Amos Kafare a few minutes from halftime as Charlie Buka’s conversion saw them trail 6-10 at the break.
Halfback Joseph Karara put the Lahanis in front when he intercepted a pass by Wigman Tony Wemin and ran 90m to score under the uprights.
Buka converted the try as the Lahanis led 12-10. The lead was short-lived as the Wigmen responded two minutes later with a try to bench prop Samuel Yegip.
Allan Simbiri kicked the conversion as the Wigmen led 16-12. Yegip completed his double in the 72nd minute and Simbiri added the extras.