PRK Gulf Isou have stamped their mark in the Digicel Cup with a 13-12 win over the Snax Lae Tigers in the nation’s capital this afternoon.
The win was sealed in the 79th minute from a Joshua Thomas field goal that left the defending premiers shocked and shattered.
It was Isou that registered the first points from a penalty goal that was kicked by To’ope Mitaharo in the 29th minute of the match.
The Tigers hit the front just before half-time through Anderson Benford, who flew over on the wing.
Mafu Kalas added the extras to take his side into the break with a 6-2 lead.
There was some scrappy football from both sides in the second half which caused frustration.
The Tigers extended their lead to 12-2 right on the 60-minute mark to give themselves the upper hand.
But Colin Geno’s men fought on and with their unorthodox style of football, began their comeback.
Two tries to Mitaharo and a successful conversion levelled the score at 12-12 to set up a thrilling last five minutes.
In a set play, dual representative and captain, Stanis Susuve, kicked on the first tackle and it found its mark with a 40-20.
Several tackles later, the ball was given to Thomas who did it easy, slotting the ball through the sticks to register Isou’s first win in the Digicel Cup.
In other results from round one, Giru Waghi Tumbe def. NCDC Port Moresby Vipers 26-12, Kroton Hela Wigmen def. PRK Mendi Muruks 14-10, EPG Enga Mioks def. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis 30-12 and Agmark Rabaul Gurias def. Chimbu Warriors 24-2.