Sunday, July 28th, 2024, was a day of thrilling rugby action in Round 15 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, featuring intense matches across Papua New Guinea.
MONI PLUS NCDC POM VIPERS VS. PRK MENDI MURUKS:
At the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers faced off against the PRK Mendi Muruks.
Despite a strong start, the Vipers succumbed to the Muruks with a final score of 12-20.
The Vipers managed two tries, with Julius Yakopa scoring at the 11-minute mark and Jeremiah Lotipa at the 20th minute.
Joel Gena converted one of the tries at the 12-minute mark, adding another two points, and Patrick Morea secured a penalty goal at the 29th minute.
However, the Muruks proved to be formidable opponents.
They scored four tries, with Douglas Tandaku at the 15th minute, Myles Posu at the 34th minute, Gabby Taune at the 52nd minute, and Ishmael Balkawa at the 58th minute leading the charge.
Mark Tony’s successful conversions at the 36th and 60th minutes sealed their victory.
GAS RESOURCE CENTRAL DABARIS VS. WAMP NGA MT. HAGEN EAGLES:
The final match of the day at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby saw the Gas Resource Central Dabaris triumph over the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles with a decisive 38-14 victory.
The Dabaris dominated with seven tries.
Lega Batia scored at the 17th and 46th minutes, Rex Kaupa at the 21st minute, Bartholomew Evi at the 28th minute, Lote Kuman at the 34th minute, Matthew Wauwe at the 37th minute, and Douglas Pirika at the 62nd minute contributed to the Dabaris’ score.
Lote Kuman’s five successful conversions were instrumental in securing the win.
The Eagles’ three tries by Dickson Pipi at the 49th minute, Sakias Komati at the 72nd minute, and Adam Korowa at the 74th minute were not enough to turn the tide.
KMH ENGA MIOKS VS. KROTON HELA WIGMEN:
In another exciting match at Aipus Oval in Wabag, the KMH Enga Mioks narrowly defeated the Kroton Hela Wigmen with a final score of 20-16.
The Mioks, playing on their home turf, demonstrated resilience and determination.
The Mioks’ four tries came from Ian James at the 45th and 63rd minutes, Bradley Angra at the 55th minute, and Brandon Anis at the 71st minute.
Andy Tand successfully converted two of the four attempts.
The Wigmen responded with three tries, courtesy of Junior Igila at the 50th and 79th minutes and Kaupa Sipa at the 75th minute.
Conversions by Solomon Pokare at the 52nd minute and Trevor Solu at the 80th minute kept the game close but not enough to secure a win.
BINTANGOR GOROKA LAHANIS VS. PRK GULF ISOU:
At the National Sports Institute (NSI) in Goroka, the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis emerged victorious over PRK Gulf Isou with a score of 26-18.
The Lahanis showcased an impressive offensive strategy, scoring five tries.
Ishmael Peter scored at the 1st minute, Paluse Ake at the 3rd minute, Zebedee Uruba at the 5th minute, Sefa Dait at the 20th minute, and Joseph Mocke at the 26th minute led the Lahanis’ charge.
Josiah Jimmy successfully converted three of the five attempts.
Despite tries from Eliakim Lukara at the 19th minute, Alex Karu at the 35th minute, and Gairo Voro at the 38th minute, Gulf Isou fell short.