The Gulf Isapeas have opened up the Digicel Cup 2016 season with a win today.
They defeated Port Moresby Vipers 18-16 at the National Football Stadium in front of about 3000 fans and supporters.
Isapea made history by being the first team in the Digicel Cup to win at the new stadium.
Vipers were the first to score 10 minutes into the game through Nicko Dom and took the lead 4-0 after an unsuccessful conversion.
Isapea got its first two points on the score board 4-2 six minutes later from a penalty kick from Solomon Pokari.
Vipers extended their lead, scoring their second goal two minutes later through captain Samuel Koim 10-2 after a successful conversion by Quinton Ragi.
Isapeas fought back, scoring their first try 16 minutes to half-time 10-8 after a successful conversion by Pokari. The score was 10-8 at half-time with Vipers in the lead.
In the second half, Isapea leveled the score from a penalty kick by Pokari four minutes into the second half 10-10.
Five minutes later Isapea got back in the lead, thanks to a try from Jojo Forova 16-10 after a successful conversion.
The game was physical and intense as Vipers fought back to score 13 minutes to full time through Koim 16-16.
Isapea kicker Pokari helped his team to victory with a successful penalty kick 5 minutes to full time 18-16.
In other results, Mt Hagen Eagles defeated Waghi Tumbe 14-10 at Rabiamul Oval in Mt Hagen, Simbu Lions lost to Hela Wigmen 42-12 in Mendi and Rabaul Gurias beat Enga Mioks 6-2 at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.