The Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles came from behind and ended a twenty-six-year drought after defeating the Kroton Hela Wigmen 28-20 this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby city.
Before both rival teams kicked off, a wonderful entrance from the Mt Hagen Eagles let loose a collection of the eagle birds soaring into the sky.
As both teams displayed an effortless game of rugby league in front of an electric crowd, supporters cheered their hearts out as the teams battled it out on the field.
The Mt Hagen Eagles battled the first half tirelessly with a number of try attempts but were only successful with a try at the very last minute.
As the Wigmen displayed what could have been another four-year title, the boys played off their hearts and strength and showed good sportsmanship on the field.
With just four minutes into the first half, the Wigmen put their first try with a power defence break from Woodie Kawagie followed by another try just ten minutes after, from Terence Wenim with both unsuccessful conversions, resulting in the scores 8-0.
Still with the thriving spirit, Wigmen’s captain Solomon Okari side stepped with a great dummy run and with assistance from Kaupa Sipa, the team got another touchdown followed by successfull conversion.
In the last dying ten seconds of the first half Wingti Raima put the Eagles first try with a successful conversion. Leaving the score at first half, 14-6.
Only putting one try in the first half, the Hagen Eagles came in the second half with more strength and power and put their first try of the second half through Siki Kondon.
The Mt Hagen Eagles break gave them the much-needed momentum for the team which saw Eagles Sakias Komati with another great comeback try followed by his on-point conversions, taking the score to 16-20.
While the Wigmen tried their very best in the last minutes, the Eagles sored too high for the Wigmen with another try from Wingti Raima followed by another try just five-minutes after from Bengi Ben with all successful conversions.
The Mt Hagen Eagles claimed the victory after 26 years with an eight-point difference 28-20 at full time.
Mt Hagen Eagles Sakias Komati ran away with the man of match award.