The Lae Snax Tigers roared to a 26-18 triumph over the Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles in a spirited and action-packed Round 16 clash of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup at the Lae League Ground over the weekend.
The Tigers came out firing on home turf, with Kevin Yako setting the tone early with a clinical try that got the Lae crowd roaring.
After a tense back-and-forth, the second half saw the Tigers unleash a flurry of attacks, with Samson Tobe and Mark Alunga striking within minutes of each other. Yako added a second try to his tally before Jaran Pitten powered over to seal Lae’s fifth try.
Alunga was equally effective with the boot, slotting three of four conversions to give the Tigers breathing space as the match wore on.
The Eagles, however, didn’t fold easily. Stuard Manda responded with two sharp tries in quick succession, keeping the visitors within reach. Anthony Pepna added another late in the game, and Sakias Komati showed composure with a perfect 3-from-3 conversion rate.
Moreover, discipline unraveled in the final minutes, Komati and Henry Wan were both sent off, derailing the Eagles’ chances of a late comeback.
While both teams displayed brilliant attacking skills, it was the Tigers’ consistency and tactical execution in key moments that made the difference. With their defensive structure holding firm and their backs exploiting every gap, Lae held off a determined but undisciplined Eagles outfit.
This win strengthens the Tigers’ stronghold on home soil and strengthens their charge toward the finals as they secure the second position on the Points Ladder Board.