2016 Digicel Cup

Speaking at a press conference this week, PNGNRL administrator, Stanley Hondina said the change in the draw format to a round robin system brought the game to all different parts of the country.

“The huge challenge was changing the draw format. I think the rugby loving people of this nation have enjoyed this change as they got the chance to see all teams partaking in the competition in their respective towns,” said Hondina.

Hondina added that the referees were another reason for a successful season.

Naru said after three solid years in waiting, they have made it through and commended the team for putting up a spiritual fight with a convincing 14-8 victory over reigning premiers, Rabaul Agmark Gurias.

"We have come after four elusive years. Credit to all our players, coach and team officials. Big thank you to our major Lae Biscuit Company and all the other supporting sponsors.

"With that, all praise and thanks to God."

A double from Stanly Olo in the first half puts Gurias in front leading 12-0 at the break.

The second half grew more physical with Mioks regaining momentum with strong counter attacks and applying hard tackles forcing Gurias into ball handling errors.

With 15 into the second half, Mioks half back Dicksy Anni slamed the ball over Gurias line with an amazing fly catch inside the Gurias try line landing under the center post to narrow the lead to 6-12.

Gurias than sent in Joe Taputapu into the corner post to further their lead to 16-6.

The Gurias registered first points from a penalty in the opening minutes from boot of Elipas Pidik.

Pidik made it 4-0 not long after Isapea gave away another  penalty right in front of the posts.

But it was the Gulf boys who crossed the tryline first when five-eighth Solomon Pokari Kale  slipped a  no-look pass to Jack Manda who ran in to score.

Japheth Olik put his side in front after converting the try.

But the Gurias hit back straight after with quick hands that created an overlap for Pidik to score out wide.

The four obvious teams that are expected to battle for 4th and 5th positions are Agmark Rabaul Guria who are on 18 competition points, Hela Wigmen on 14, Gulf Isapea 13 and Wahgi Tumbe13.

The three teams that appear to be moving towards securing first, second and third positions with 23, 21 and 19 competition points respectively are Lae Snax Tigers, Mt Hagen Eagles and Enga Mioks.

They have the advantage of adding further points with having more than two home games each to go.

The win pushed the Engans effectively to third place with 17 points on the Digicel Cup points ladder as the premier team fell back to fourth position with 16 points.

Mt Hagen Eagles maintained the second position with 19 points after beating Waghi Tumbe 16-4 in Minz while Lae Snax Tigers maintain the top position with 21 points. This was after collecting two free points for a bye yesterday.

Isapea took a 10-4 lead over the Lahanis at half-time in today's week five match of the Digital Cup competition.

The visitors struck as early as the 6th minute when Isapea captain Jack Manda crashed over to score.

Four minutes later it was second rower John Kai who put the lead out to 10-0.

It was a very physical encounter as both sides were equally desperate for points.

The Lahanis snuck in a try right at half-time when captain John Gand barged over to slam the ball down.

Tumbe’s after beating the Goroka Lahanis  20-18 in the Round 4 clash last Sunday have built up confidence to take on the Mioks with  with a must-win attitude.

“Over these last four games, the boys have been in hard training and have played well  winning two of their games against two tough teams in the competition and are looking forward to this game to put up a very competitive challenge also,” Waghi Tumbe’s  Captain Joda Wesley said.

“Waghi Tumbe’s hard rocking hit ups and balls skills is believed to be the drive to push the team forward for a tough match,” he added.

This comes off a bye and a win over the SNS Port Moresby Vipers on Sunday at the National Football Stadium. The Tigers are on 4 points.

Also tied on 4 competition points are the second placed Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and the Agmark Rabaul Gurias who sit third on the ladder.

Points for and against has put them behind the Tigers.

The only two teams who are yet to register any competition points are the SNS Port Moresby Vipers and the TNA Lions

The ladder after round 2 is:

Wigmen are leveled on two points with the four winning teams from the weekend, including Lae Snax Tigers who were on bye.

However, Wigmen took up the number one spot due to points for and against. 

Wigmen defeated Simbu Lions by a huge margin, 42-12, in Mendi.

In second place is Goroka Lahanis and Mt Hagen Eagles sits on third spot after defeating Waghi Tumbe 14-10 at Rabiamul Oval in Mt Hagen.

Rabaul Gurias is fourth on the ladder after a close game, beating Enga Mioks 6-2 at Kalabond Oval in Kokopo.