In an exciting first day of the historic Santos women’s rugby league competition at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the Mt Hagen Eagles delivered a crushing 26-4 victory over the ENB Rabaul Gurias.
The Eagles established dominance early, leading 8-0 at halftime and continuing their onslaught in the second half.
The Gurias struggled to keep pace, managing only four points.
In the second match of the Santos National Women’s Rugby League Competition, the Lae Snax Tigers narrowly defeated the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, with a final score of 14-10.
The Tigers took an early lead, going into halftime at 10-0.
The Vipers rallied in the second half but fell short by four points.
Today’s matches are part of the inaugural Santos Cup, a significant event in Papua New Guinea’s rugby league calendar, featuring the nation’s first-ever National Women’s Rugby League Competition.
Round 1 of the Santos Women’s Competition ended today with the Central Dabaris thrashing the Bintagor Goroka Lahanis, 14-nil.
The tournament, featuring six teams, aims to showcase female talent and expand opportunities in the sport.
PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina in an earlier statement had hailed the event as a historic moment, stating that this competition opens a new pathway for women in rugby league.
In that same statement, Santos Country Chair – PNG, Leon Buskens, also expressed pride in supporting the Santos Cup, emphasizing the company’s commitment to empowering women and girls through sports.
The competition will continue its other rounds with matches across various locations and culminate in a grand final on September 15, 2024.