The Wamp NGA Mt. Hagen Eagles held off a late comeback from the SNS Port Moresby Vipers to win 32-20 in tonight's round 15 clash at the National Football Stadium.
The Eagles dominated most of the first half to lead 16-0.
But the Vipers fought their way back into the match with a double to halfback Sebulong Ragi in the last 10 minutes, to leave the halftime score at 16-10 in favour of the Eagles.
The Vipers hit early in the second half with a four pointer to narrow the score to 16-14, thanks to Richard Kambo, who was too big and too strong to hold down.
But the Eagles, inspired by a vocal crowd of supporters, took the game away from the Vipers with two quick tries, the second coming off a perfectly placed kick that saw Moses Meninga leap up and catch and score.
This put the score out to 26-14.
But the Vipers were not out yet and in the remaining 10 minutes, hit back after Supa George kicked for himself and scored near the posts.
The conversion was successful with the all the momentum now with the Vipers.
But time eventually ran out for the Vipers to lose another game at home in what has been a tough season for the city boys.
The icing on the cake came a minute out from full time when Isaac John ran 60 metres to score and leave the Eagles fans ecstatic.
The win for the Western Highlanders has secured second place for the finals in the Digicel Cup competition.