Port Moresby Vipers down Simbu Lions 30 - 4

THE Port Moresby Vipers thumped the Simbu Lions 30-4 at the Dicksons Oval in
Kundiawa yesterday.
The Vipers victory in the Lions’ den evoked calls from
prominent former rugby league icons in the likes of former Highlands Zone
five-eighth and Warriors coach Steven Gore Kaupa, former Warriors trainer John
Wamil Gul and former Kumul Maima Kawagle for a complete overhaul of the
management of TNA-sponsored Lions.
Former Warriors five-eighth Lucas Kee
called for immediate sacking of the current Lions management and allow former
players to run the team.
Lions were the first to cross over through winger
Chris Kool for an unconverted try for the host while the city boys ran in five
tries in a classy display.
Vipers fullback Josiah Abavu opened the scoring
for the visitors towards the end of the first half which Stanley Torato
converted for a 6-4 lead at the break.
The second half was an all Vipers
affair backrower Richard Kambao carrying several Lions defenders over the line
for an unconverted try.
Vipers centre Nicko Dom made the home side’s defence
look ordinary and set up winger Stargoth Amean for another unconverted to
stretch the lead to 14-4.
Dom added his name to the score sheet minutes later
and this time Torato nailed the conversion to lead 18-4.
Felix Kawage and
Bland Abavu, completed the rout with tries to send the Kundiawa crowd home
disappointed. Lions tried hard through Joel Ambrose, Kool, Gordon Isaac, Gilbert
Isaac, Rex David and Ma, Esau, but really had no answer for Vipers’
class.
Vipers coach Leonard Tarum commended his players for their discipline
and following the game plan.
He credited senior players Elijah Riyong, Nicko
Dom and Lawerence Kuso Jr for their efforts.
The win sees the capital city
franchise work their way to third in Pool 1 after a slow start to the Digicel
Cup season.