The Kroton Hela Wigmen narrowly defeated the ENB Agmark Gurias delivering a thrilling game with a final score of 22-14, securing their place in the Top 6.
The elimination finals of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 delivered a thrilling rugby league clash at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, August 25th.
The Wigmen displayed their drive to win attacking early in the match, scoring two quick tries within the first 20 minutes. Siki Konden opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed by a try from Norman Brown just four minutes later, giving the Wigmen a solid 8-0 lead. Despite missing the conversion attempt, their dominance on the field was undoubted.
The second half saw the Gurias fighting back, but the Wigmen extended their lead further with a try by Trevor Solu in the 51st minute. Solu’s try was followed by a successful penalty goal in the 55th minute, increasing the Wigmen’s advantage to 16-0. Another penalty goal by Benton Leme in the 58th minute made it 18-0, leaving the Gurias with a mountain to climb.
The Gurias’ determination finally bore fruit in the 62nd minute when Adel Mikaive crossed the try line, marking their first points of the match. The momentum shifted slightly as Konnie Bernard scored another try in the 73rd minute, narrowing the gap to 18-8. However, the Wigmen quickly responded with a try by Woodie Kawage in the 77th minute, with Solu successfully converting, pushing the score to 22-8.
Despite the odds, the Gurias refused to go down quietly. Jeremiah Dickson’s try in the 77th minute, followed by Ase Boas’ successful conversion in the 78th, brought the score to 22-14. However, time was not on their side, and the Wigmen held on to claim a crucial victory.
The match was a showcase of resilience and tactical execution by the Wigmen, who capitalized on their opportunities and held off a late surge from the Gurias. With four tries, one conversion, and two penalty goals, the Wigmen’s balanced performance proved decisive in a match where every point mattered.
The Kroton Hela Wigmen will look to build on this victory as they advance further into the Top 6 of the competition, while the ENB Agmark Gurias will reflect on a valiant effort that came up just short in this elimination final.