Lae Snax Tigers

Sanny Wabo was the player of the match for the Digicel Cup 2022 round 3 game, scoring three tries for the Lae outfit in the first half.

Three conversations by five-eighth Joshua Mire ensured the Tigers were 12 points ahead by halftime. The Eagles responded through fullback, Joe Joshua, with Bernard Noel successfully converting the try, however, the scores were 22-6 as the teams went for break.

A return from second half and Wabo continued with his try-scoring feat, ensuring another converted try, taking the score line to 28-6.

The new-look Lae outfit wasted no time in breaking through the visiting team’s defense as soon as the starting whistle blew.

Just four minutes into the first half of the second match and the Lae Snax Tigers’ halfback, Milex Winis, deftly placed the ball over the Central Dabaris’ try line, thanks to swift footwork by playmaker and fullback, Sanny Wabo.

Five-eighth, Joshua Mire, converted the try to ensure a six-point lead before former Dabaris and young debutant from Daru, Agaeawa Palo, scored his first try for the Lae outfit.

From all post-match reports, games were successfully completed without incidences.

From the Lae fixtures, PRK Mendi Muruks had a close one over the WNPG Kimbe Cutters 22- 16.

2021 Digicel Cup defending premiers Lae Snax Tigers under new coach Oscar Tonga showed no mercy for the young CPG Dabaris side with a 38-14 thumping.

At Santos National Football Stadium  Port Moresby PRK Gulf Isou showed a lot of resolve in their defense to stop the rampaging 2021 grand final runners up JPG Waghi Tumbe 14-8 at fulltime.

The Lae Snax Tigers franchise owner and LBC Group Manager, John Chow, said it has been a huge success for Tepend over his last nine years as Tigers head coach. Chow is he can get better given the elevated recognition.

Following the announcement of Tepend’s appointment by the Hunters board last week, the LBC joined the rest of the franchises, supporters and especially the Tigers team in wishing Tepend the best with the Hunters.

Chow said the records speaks for itself for Tepend both at the domestic and international level.

Member for Lae and Chairman of Lae City Authority, John Rosso said as the local MP, he is always a proud man seeing both teams getting into the field of play and always finishing off in the top five every season. 

The Authority boosted the clubs when presenting K100,000 yesterday in Lae. Each club will receive K50,000 to support their campaign for next season.

Rosso acknowledged the support of the Chow family and Lae Biscuit Company that put a lot of money into supporting the two clubs. 

He also said the team executed discipline well and it worked significantly in allowing the players to support each other on the field.

“The team going into the finals was no secret. We played our best game, keeping in mind all the things we learnt during our training. One thing I must say is that the boys always gave their hundred percent and so the return on our achievements speaks louder. I must say it really comes down to how well you as a team can prepare, and so Tigers were ready and determined and now we are the 2021 Digicel Cup premiers,” said Sine.

All the points of the entire contest were scored in the first half while both teams struggled to score in the second stanza with many missed opportunities going each way.
 
This was the Tigers fourth premiership title win out of five grand final appearances under super coach, Stanley Tepend.

He said prices for the grand finale have changed, with the main grand stand tickets going for K50 per person.

The Northern and Southern Stands are selling at K15 with Eastern Stand going for K20. Western Stand is at K25.

Tickets sales at Digicel Headquarters started today, and closes on Friday. At the OSNFS, tickets will be sold until Saturday only. No tickets will be sold on Sunday at the game venue.

The formidable Lax Snax Tigers will regroup and prepare for the Digicel Cup Grand Final.

The showdown will kick off in two weeks’ time. Coach Stanley Tepend says they will focus on strengthening the weak areas in their performance, which they picked up while playing the PRK Mendi Muruks in the major semi-final round yesterday.

“A win and a week off is good for the players. This will only mean we go back and iron out areas that we feel is enough to get us through the finals. We are very confident and just waiting to play the winner of Muruks and Tumbe,” said Tepend.

The top two teams – Lae Snax Tigers and PRK Mendi Muruks – will be on bye for the final playoffs this weekend.

Coach Stanley Tepend said the week’s break gives them time to get their bodies rested, especially the players carrying injuries.

“At this stage we know we’re playing the Muruks so we will go as underdogs as they beat us two weeks ago,” he stated.

“They were unlucky against the Vipers on Sunday but I know they will want to bounce back against us.

“Muruks are a good side with strike players everywhere.”