The inaugural women’s rugby league competition the ‘Santos Cup’ saw the Bitangor Goroko Lahanis crowned as champions after defeating the minor premiers, the Central Dabaris 8 to 6 in an epic footy grand final showdown today.
The first 30 minutes of the match saw both teams hustle it out under the raging heat at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby to a half filled stadium.
Both the Dabaris and Lahanis tried the hard yards to see only two tries from the Lahanis and one try from the Dabaris side.
A nice step from Dabaris number four, Joan Kuman resulted in the first try for her team, followed by a successful conversion from Solima Philip.
With four minutes left on the clock, Lahanis did their best but were unsuccessful with a couple of try attempts.
Coming back from the halftime break, the Lahanis went into victory mode with a come back and secured their first try in just twenty-five minutes with a solo effort from the captain herself Delilah Ahisa, and followed through with an unsuccessful conversion, leaving the Dabaris still in the lead with 6 to 4.
Securing their spot as the champions for the Santos Cup, Lahanis Egi John showed off a great step and run to put her team in the lead. Even though they missed another conversion, the ladies were hailed winners of the Santos Cup with a final score of 8 to 6 at full time.