Wigmen pull back Muruks in last minute to force 16-all draw

THE Hela Wigmen snatched a last-gasp 16-16 draw with the Mendi Muruks in their Digicel ExxonMobil Cup round 12 match yesterday.
Former PNG Hunters centre Junior Igila saved the day for the Helas when he crossed for a try in the 80th minute to level the scores in dramatic circumstances at the Snatos National Football Stadium.
The Muruks led 16-12 with less than a minute remaining when a fight broke between the sides stopped play temporarily which referee Manau Kema adjudicated by awarding a penalty to the Wigmen.
Wigmen enforcer Manu Kame was sent to the sent off for 10 minutes, which was his second sin-binning in the match, referee Kema penalised the Muruks as their player for the tackle that sparked the skirmish.
The Hela side launched that set inside Mendi territory with several hit-ups capped off by a move orchestrated by halves Solomon Pokare and Simon Arana on the fourth play which opened up the Muruks’ left edge and Igila punched through the hole and carried several defenders with over the line.
Wigmen hooker Trevor Solu missed the side line conversion to see the scores stay locked at fulltime. The dramatic finish on the field also had an impact off the field as opposing supporters almost clashed on the eastern stand but stadium security was able to quickly calm the situation.
Muruks assistant coach Roderick Puname said his men were under pressure in the final 15 minuites.
“We had to defend a lot in the final quarter and we’re pretty disappointed with the result but we have to work on our defence and attack for our next game,” he said.
Wigmen coach Ian Yaro was happy with his team’s performance but said they needed to improve on their execution.
Muruks scored two tries through Jade Puk and Robert Gigmai while halfback Mark Tony converted both and added two penalty goals.
Wigmen scored three tries through Norman Brown, Woods Kawage and Igila and Solu ckicked two conversions.
In other matches, Mt Hagen Eagles beat Gulf Isou 22-18 to remain on the top of the standings. Central Dabaris beat Waghi Tumbe 10-4, Enga Mioks beat Rabaul Gurias 28-10, Goroka Lahanis beat Port Moresby Vipers 38-22 while Lae Tigers and Kimbe Cutters drew 20-20.