Round 15 of the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup saw the too strong PRK Mendi Muruks defeat the home team Moni Plus NCD Vipers at the National Football Stadium, 20-12.
The PRK Mendi Muruks take win with a final try by Ismael Balkaua solidifying their lead and final score 20-12, this after trailing in the first half with 10-12.
After a weekend rest from rugby after 14 consistent weekend games, the round 15 game between the Mendi Muruks and NCD Vipers had an intense first and second half with both teams heavy on adrenaline but were impatient in playing ball.
Eager to take score the first to lead the game in the first half, the NCD Vipers were first on the score board scoring a try in the 11th and 20th minute by Lameki Poi and Ludwig Pal followed by 1 out of 2 successful conversions from Joel Gena, additional with a successful penalty goal by Patrick Morea.
Mendi Muruk’s were able to respond directly after Vipers two tries with Douglas Tandaku 3 minutes after Vipers first try and Myles Posu after 14 minutes of the Viper’s second try, with 1 out of 2 successful conversions by Mark Tony trailing the NCD Vipers 10-12 completing the first half 40 minutes.
The Mendi Muruks came out strong into the second half with two final tries of the second half.
Winger Gabriel Taune in the 52nd minute and Ishmael Balkawa in the 58th minute followed by 1 out of 2 successful conversions by Mark Tony.
Although the game had its heated moments between players and officials, players were disciplined too.
However, Vipers Sylvestor Bulu was sinbinned for dangerous contact in the 52nd minute of the second half.
The Mendi Muruks kept their cool from first and second 40 minutes, keeping their eye on the game and not distractions, Muruks won 20-12.
Mendi Muruks claimed their second win after a draw in round 13 against the Goroka Lahanis in Goroka NSI, 20-20.
DABARIS DUST EAGLES IN DIGICEL EXXONMOBIL R15
By: E’lle-Gore Yasi
The Gas Resource Central Dabaris thrashed the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles 38-14 at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.
The Central Dabaris were too strong for the Mt Hagen Eagles taking control of the game in the first half, scoring seven tries while the Eagles with three only in the second half, Dabaris won 38-14.
After resting for a weekend the Central Dabaris dominated the first half, scoring five tries in the first half while the Hagen Eagles defended for full 40 minutes of the first half trailing 0-26.
Central Dabaris Lega Batia Scored the first try in the 17th minute, Rex Kaupa in the 27th, Bartholomew Evi in the 28th minute, Lote Kuman in the 34th and finally Mathew Wauwe in the 37th minute.
3 out of 5 conversions were successful, 2 first tries were unsuccessful conversions.
The margin score drove the Hagen eagles to run and tackle harder in the second half, intimidating their opponents but were unsuccessful, whilst the Central Dabaris focused more on ball possession.
Central Dabaris Lega Batia once again scored the first in 46th minute of the second half, followed by Douglas Pirika in the 46th minute.
Hagen Eagles finally broke a pathway for their fullback Dickson Pipi to score their first try 49th minute after Dabaris first try in the second half, this followed by Komati Adam and Adam Korowa in the 72nd and 74th minute.
1 out of the 3 conversions were claimed by Jero Kunda TRAILING THE Central Dabaris 38-14.
The frustration and impatient behavior had emerged into dangerous contact resulting in the sin bin of Mt Hagen Eagles, Junior Bala and Dickson Pipi.
The Gas Resource Central Dabaris take their second win after loss in round 13 against the ENB Rabaul Gurias 22-6.