A try midway through the second half to Elvis Aiyako sealed a 10-8 win for PRK Mendi Muruks over NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in the opening match of the Digicel Cup double header.
The match was played in Port Moresby this afternoon.
Tries to Yoks Bagave and Michael Yanis took the Vipers to an 8-0 lead after 15 minutes of play.
The Mendi boys hit back straight after the restart through a try from fullback Wesley Vali.
Vali successfully converted a penalty kick at goal just before half-time to leave the score at 8-6, in favour of the home side.
Points were hard to come by in the second half as both teams tried desperately to find the try line.
The Muruks did in the 60th minute when they attacked the short side down the wing of Aiyako, who raced away to score out wide. Vali’s attempt to add the extras fell short.
But the Muruks had enough in the tank to defend their four-point lead to the end and register their first win of the season.