The 2024 Santos Cup Round 3 matches saw a lot of movements on the ladder as teams shifted into their 3rd consecutive week of play and travel.
The Lae Snax Tigers have taken over the top spot on the 2024 Santos Cup ladder, proving too strong for the East New Britain Agmark Gurias in Lae with a 16 – 6 victor on Sunday 18th August.
On Saturday 17th August, the Port Moresby Vipers caused an upset for the Central Dabaris, 16 -12, registering their first win of the competition.
Dabaris were first to get points on the board five minutes into the game through a solo eighty meter run by Marie Biyama. Biyama followed through with another try early in the second half, with both tries successfully converted by Sherida Philip.
However, this was not enough to keep the Vipers at bay who replied with three tries from Naomi Modowa, Joyce Hobert and Freda Waula, with two successful conversions from Lila Malabag.
In Minj in Jiwaka province saw the first ever Santos Cup match held with the Goroka Lahanis ladies secure their first win in the competition after defeating the Mt. Hagen Eagles 12 – 10 in a close match, with tries by Egi John, Seroge Sabumei and Yolanda Taute.
The Mt. Hagen Eagles, Tier 1 players, Lyiannah Allen and Talitha Kunjil (c) scored with Talitha continuing to register points as the competition’s current Top Try Scorer.
Meanwhile in the Pawa Meri round, which celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of women to the game, the Port Moresby crowd witnessed another stellar performance from Lae-based female referee Jacintha Jack, officiating her third match this season at the Santos National Football Stadium, ably assisted by fellow female touch judge Anita Genia.
Results and standings attached following Round 3 of the 2024 Santos Cup on Saturday 17th August in Port Moresby are listed below:
