The Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers delivered a hard-fought 16-10 win over the Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday 16th August 2025.
The Vipers demonstrated finals momentum in the last and final round-18, of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup before heading into the elimination stages in the upcoming weekend.
Sitting third on the ladder, the Vipers struck early through two tries by Francis Mandom and Gilmo Paul in 30 minutes, before Ezra Sakaia added another in the 53rd minute to cap off the home side’s attacking edge. Jamie Mavoko added one conversion and a penalty goal to seal the scoreboard pressure.
The Eagles, who entered the match in seventh place, hit back late in the first half through Elijah Peter and Lynchill Kiap, with Sakias Komati converting one try.
The First half 10-10, displayed an intense match test yet to come in the second half.
However, the Eagles second-half push was blunted by errors and a costly sinbinning of Vincent Neri, halting any hopes of stealing a late upset.
It was a disciplined, resilient performance from the Vipers, who now head into the elimination rounds as genuine contenders.
For the Eagles, the narrow defeat leaves questions over consistency and discipline as they prepare to fight for survival in the finals.