The Lae Snax Tigers emerged victorious with a narrow 10-8 win, securing their spot in the top 4 of the tournament.
A fierce elimination match was displayed between the Lae Snax Tigers and the PRK Mendi Muruks at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, August 25th.
The Tigers started strong, with Jacky Winas scoring an early try in the 4th minute, followed by a successful conversion just two minutes later, giving them a 6-0 lead. The match then turned into a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to gain the upper hand.
The Muruks responded in the 35th minute when Mark Tony crossed the try line, narrowing the gap to 6-4. However, their inability to convert the try kept them trailing as the first half ended.
Early in the second half, the Muruks took the lead for the first time when Myles Posu scored a try in the 42nd minute, pushing the score to 8-6. However, like their previous attempt, the conversion failed, leaving the door open for the Tigers.
In a crucial moment, the Tigers were awarded a penalty, and Winas stepped up once again to kick it successfully in the 56th minute, reclaiming the lead at 10-8. The match grew even more intense when both teams were reduced to 12 men after sin bins for Jordan Steven of the Tigers and Junior Thomas of the Muruks in the 52nd minute for high contact.
Despite the Muruks’ relentless efforts to break through the Tigers’ defense in the closing stages, the Tigers held firm, securing the win with a combination of solid defense and discipline.
The Lae Snax Tigers’ ability to capitalize on their limited opportunities, with Winas scoring all their points through a try, conversion, and two penalty goals, proved decisive. In contrast, the PRK Mendi Muruks will regret their missed conversion attempts and failure to capitalize on their try-scoring opportunities.
The Lae Snax Tigers victory moves them forward in the Top 6 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 while the PRK Mendi Muruks bow out after a brave but ultimately unsuccessful effort in the elimination final.