The Kroton Hela Wigmen held on to beat the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis 18-14 in the first of three matches played at the National Football Stadium this afternoon.
Tries in the first half to Charlie Buka and Amos Kafare gave the Lahanis a 10-6 lead at half time.
The Wigmen's only four pointer came from McKenzie Kei.
The Hela boys found their rhythm in the second half and pushed to the lead after Junior Rau and Towari Kenake crossed over.
The Lahanis never gave up and fought their way back into the contest ten minutes out from full time with another try to Buka.
But the Wigmen were equally determined for the two points and held on until the full time siren.
The man of the match was awarded to Kenake.