Enga Mioks

Double celebration in Enga

The province commemorated PNG’s 48th Independence Anniversary as well as celebrated the EPG Enga Mioks’ victory in the provincial capital of Wabag on Friday, September 15th.

The event started with a motorcade from Wapenamanda to Wabag, covering over 40 kilometres and led by Enga Provincial Administrator, Sandis Tsaka, on his motorbike.

Governor Sir Peter Ipatas joined on his motorcycle, to the excitement of more than 10,000 people who attended the event.

James makes it into PMs XIII

Mioks five-eight, Garry James, is an all-round footballer with skills that can break open tight games. He proved that in the 2023 finals football.

When his side was on the back-foot, he found a way to get the boys home in the hard-fought battle against Lae Snax Tigers in the preliminary finals. He did the same in the grand final against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis who were threatening with the opening try.

Mioks are minor premiers

The Mioks defeated Gulf Isou 18-14 in their closing round 16 clash in Lae on Sunday to complete a monumental season with 15 wins and 1 draw.

At the conclusion of the regulation rounds, Mioks finished outright clear leaders with 31 points.

They are six points clear ahead of second placed Tigers on 25 points. Wigmen are on third place (24 points), Gurias 4th (22 points), Muruks are on 5th (17 points), Lahanis 6th spot (17 points).

Mioks eye minor premiership

Before the competition proceeds to the top six semi-finals series on the weekend of 13th August, 2023, Mioks make a clear stamp as competition leaders.

After round 14 Mioks have recorded 13 wins and a draw accumulating to 21 points on the overall points table.

They are 6 points clear of second placed Lae Snax Tigers (21 points), followed by defending premiers Kroton Hela Wigmen on third spot (20 points), ENB Agmark Gurias (18), PRK Mendi  Muruks (15) and Bintangor Goroka Lahanis (15) bringing up the top 6.

Vipers, Mioks match end in draw

The round 14 match of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup saw a bumper crowd mostly Mioks diehards who turned up in droves to watch the thrilling encounter.

As anticipated the fiery contest got off at a cracking pace with both teams showing some early nerves in their opening exchanges and committing a number of basic errors, especially in their executions. 

Leaders show support

The game, witnessed by Enga Province Governor, Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, showcased the exceptional skills of both teams. Not only did the match provide an exciting sporting spectacle, but it also served as a platform for leaders to demonstrate their support for the teams and their commitment to youth development.

Governor Sir Peter traveled to Kimbe on Friday to attend the match and returned on Sunday. His presence underscored the strong connection between Enga and Kimbe, as players from Kimbe have been selected to join the Enga Mioks in the past.

Top of the table clash

Both teams have earned their stripes on merit to get to where they are but this is the defining moment that will decide who becomes the outright competition leaders, will it be Mioks or Tigers?

What's even more exciting about Sunday’s blockbuster is it has got a bit of grand final feel to it, as both teams have put in a lot of preparations and hard work to make it count come game day. 

From the coaching perspective, Tigers rookie coach and former PNG Hunters goal kicking guru Noel Zeming is no slouch filling in the big shoes this year and has done remarkably well so far. 

Mioks game moved to Goroka

This follows the landslide near Lai Bridge in Wapenamanda.

“This means the Mioks will not host Lahanis at Aipus Oval this week Sunday as initially scheduled,” said chairman of the Mioks, Philip Kepson.

“However, Lahanis home game in round 12 will be given to Mioks to host at Aipus.

“Therefore, as the decision has already been made, we have no choice but to go by their wish for us to travel to Goroka this weekend.”

Kepson said they are expecting tough competition from the Goroka side.

Mioks go down fighting

After their narrow loss to 2nd place Agmark Rabaul Gurias in Kokopo last week, it was obvious from the outset the Mioks took a lot of confidence with them to match the aggression and energy of the star-studded Wigmen side.
 
The young Mioks outfit was led out by former Guria Stanley Olo at lock and Noel Joel, veteran dummy half and PNG Hunters number 9. Joel was clinical in his game management, manoeuvring his lighter mobile pack around the park and did well to hold out their heavier and experienced opponents especially at crucial stages of the match.

Goal Kicking Let Mioks Down

At fulltime, Vipers 16-12 ran home over Mioks who scored more tries then the Vipers, but fell short on the scoreboard due to poor goal kicking and ill-discipline.

Mioks turned up on Sunday with a plan to spoil the party for the Vipers. This was evident in the opening  exchanges when former Lae Snax Tigers veteran and playmaker, Noel Joel busted the Vipers defense through the middle to set up Limbi Henry in (16) to draw first blood on the right hand corner to put them in front by 4-0.