A smashing performance by the PNG Orchids this afternoon resulted in a thrilling 28-20 victory over the Cook Islands Moana in the second week of the 2023 Pacific Championships at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby. As both teams battled it out under the steaming heat, the Orchids made two remarkable moves by removing the Cooks out of their field of play from scoring. The Orchids displayed smashing defence play with fast meetups to take down the Cooks and with much sweat lost during the first half of the game, Orchids Roswita Kapo broke free of the Cooks defence wall and successfully put the first try for the home team followed by a successful conversion by Emily Veivers. Coming from behind, Cook Islands’ Chelsea Makira dashed through and set the score board to a tie with a successful conversion. With no doubt, the Orchid's Gloria Kaupa secured their second try after her first attempt was called off by the referee. While the crowd cheered the home team as the time ticked down to the last seconds on the clock, Orchids Leila Kerowa closed of the score board with 20 points and the Cooks trailing with 10 points. Running back to make the last 40 minutes a meaningful one, Latoniya Norris opens up the game with another try followed by Lyianna Allan scoring her second try for the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Cooks made good with two consecutive tries but were still trailing with an 8 points deference. The Player of the Match Award was awarded to Orchids Centre, Belinda Gwasamun.