Port Moresby Vipers

The formalities took place in Port Moresby during the Moni Plus NCDC Vipers season launch at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on Friday evening, attended by the Hull Kingston Rovers Club Chief Operating Officer Craig Franklin, Head of Academy Jason Netherton and PNG’s prodigal son and Hull Kingston Rovers legend John Okul.

It was Wigmen‘s little livewire Tapie Solu jumping out of dummy half to put Wigmen in front first 6-0 before Vipers reciprocated with a freakiest corner try to left winger Kora Lega to equalize 6.

Wigmen again continued to dominate field position and this time the nippy Patrick Morea scored a trademark try from dummy half to put Wigmen back in front 12-6.

The Dabaris bravery in their defense had forced the Vipers into many errors. The Central team is not all about skill, speed and agility but with good attitude and having pride in the jersey.

After competition front-runners, Agmark Gurias overwhelmed them the week before. It was a big ask for the Steven Gunua-coached side to regroup quickly for the Round 8 clash against Port Moresby Vipers.

Vipers appeared to be struggling for some midway through the season had all their big guns on deck to intimidate the lighter Dabaris pack but to no avail.

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.

Vipers scored all their 28 points in the first half with tries to Manu Soli, William Tirang, John Stanley and Peter Mondo, Yunny Patrick kicked 4 goals from 5 attempts.

Isou's first points came from a converted try by Jerry Teme just before halftime.

After the break, Isou came out of the tunnel showing a lot of resilience in the 2nd half to score two tries in back to back fashion through Woods Kawage and Teme, while David Joseph’s 3 from 3 kick cut down the deficit by 10 points at 18-28 Vipers.

After all the disappointments of not making it all the way to the top this year, the Port Moresby Vipers have regrouped and commenced preseason training 4 weeks ago.

While retaining bulk of his 2021 playing group, Head Coach Joe Sipa is looking to boost his roster with a number of new signings to add versatility and experience to the team.

Sipa said one of their offseason signings to date is current PNG Pukpuk Sevens maestro William Tirang who’s currently playing with Funeral Home Laumas in the Southern Super League elite competition.

This saw the favourites go down to the visitors, 6-0, in Lae during Digicel Cup’s round 11 clash.

Twelve minutes into the game and the Vipers registered their opening try.

Five-eighth Yunny Patrick successfully converted to ensure a 6-point lead.

The Muruks, who were caught by surprise, valiantly tried to return the favour but were held at bay by determined Vipers defenders.

Having the home crowed to their advantage, Gurias dominated the match in the first half, leading with 12 points, while Vipers strolled behind with 10.

In the second half, Vipers slithered their way back into the lead, with a new game plan, to force their way through the Gurias heavy defence.

The visitors then repositioned themselves well, and eventually scored two tries.

Gurias responded, but it wasn’t enough to reach the Vipers, who were comfortably sitting on 22 points.

At fulltime, the Gurias were trailing with 14 points.

According to Vipers Coach, Joe Sipa, the development team is a pathway for young league players to venture into high tier competitions.

“The program is working well and to see young players in Port Moresby especially school boys take part in the development program is great. This is the way forward for us to identify and develop raw talents,” Sipa said.

After long discussions of having a development team in place, Port Moresby Vipers Franchise now has a development team for young and upcoming rugby league talents.

Sipa said the training is targeted at areas of improvement such as their deference and attack in the field.

After winning straight four matches on home turf in Port Moresby, Coach Sipa says the boys are working hard on their defense and attaching skills in preparations for the Gurias attack.

 “Training is mainly targeted at areas of improvement such as the defense and attached in the field,” said Sipa.

Joe who stepped in to coaching the Vipers in round six of the Digicel cup competition, saw the boys take out the last four wins under his leadership.