Digicel Cup 2021

He also said the team executed discipline well and it worked significantly in allowing the players to support each other on the field.

“The team going into the finals was no secret. We played our best game, keeping in mind all the things we learnt during our training. One thing I must say is that the boys always gave their hundred percent and so the return on our achievements speaks louder. I must say it really comes down to how well you as a team can prepare, and so Tigers were ready and determined and now we are the 2021 Digicel Cup premiers,” said Sine.

He said discipline brought them this far in the competition.

Kokote, one of Digicel Cup’s most experienced players, joined the JPG waghi Tumbe, taking the team to the 2021 Digicel Cup season finals. He said self-control and respect for one another as a team helped the boys into making the grand final in the 2021 season.

Kokote said while a lot of the players are young and new, they always looked up to the experienced players for guidance.

Former PNGNRLC Chairman and current PNGRFL Director Sudhir Guru presented the inaugural Don Fox Memorial Minor Premiership shield to Lae Snax Tigers captain Enoch Sine during the elimination finals in Port Moresby yesterday. 

Tigers headed the ladder after round 11 last weekend on a superior points difference over PRK Mendi Muruks and JPG Waghi Tumbes.    

Janet Fox, widow of late Fox said the naming of the Digicel Cup Minor Premiership Shield after her late husband was a kind and beautiful gesture and a great honour to his memory.   

This saw the favourites go down to the visitors, 6-0, in Lae during Digicel Cup’s round 11 clash.

Twelve minutes into the game and the Vipers registered their opening try.

Five-eighth Yunny Patrick successfully converted to ensure a 6-point lead.

The Muruks, who were caught by surprise, valiantly tried to return the favour but were held at bay by determined Vipers defenders.

After Round 10, PRK Mendi Muruks  lead the points table on 18pts, Tigers on 16, Tumbe 16, Vipers 15, Wigmen 12, and Mioks on pts with Gurias, Eagles and Isou also on 7pts apiece but with lower percentage.

While the Minor Premiership honors for 2021 is all but locked in the battle for 6^th spot is still up for grabs between Mioks, Gurias, Eagles and Isou all on 7 pts apiece, however Mioks on good stead with better percentage. This weekend they face Gurias in Kokopo in a do or die situation with the ultimate winner to grab 6 spot.

The table-toppers fought tooth and nail to gain the upper hand in front of a hyped up crowd at the Lae Rugby League oval on Sunday.

Ten minutes into the first half of the Digicel Cup match and a high tackle by Roy Kela saw the Muruks kick a penalty goal through halfback Josiah Jimmy.

Though the Tigers dominated the Muruks’ side of the field, their efforts to cross the line was repeatedly met with stiff opposition.

Both teams went for break with the scores at 2-0.

A return from second half and another penalty was awarded to the Muruks two minutes in.

According to the PNGNRLC Manager, Ora Gairo, the Southern Stand will now accommodate more fans due to seating capacity restrictions.

Tickets for all stands can be purchased from between 9am to 4pm today and tomorrow until kick off the second double header at Gate 2 at the NFS.

The ticketing booth at Gate 2 at NF will be open at 9am today and close at 4.00pm. On Sunday, it re-opens at 9am and closes at 2.30pm.

Tickets at Grandstand is K25, Western Stand K20, Eastern Stand K15, North/Southern Stand going for K10 and children under four years old are free.

Sipa said the training is targeted at areas of improvement such as their deference and attack in the field.

After winning straight four matches on home turf in Port Moresby, Coach Sipa says the boys are working hard on their defense and attaching skills in preparations for the Gurias attack.

 “Training is mainly targeted at areas of improvement such as the defense and attached in the field,” said Sipa.

Joe who stepped in to coaching the Vipers in round six of the Digicel cup competition, saw the boys take out the last four wins under his leadership.

With the top 6 placings almost decided and two rounds remaining, there’s a late surge from the outsiders to knockoff the top teams and give themselves a chance.

While the 12 franchise teams in the 2021 Digicel Cup competition took to the field on Sunday to rally their chances of making the final cut before the regular season ends, a number of teams had to dig deep in order to keep their finals hopes alive.

Sunday's matches have scheduled for Minj, Wabag, Lae and Port Moresby. It's the final countdown to the final top six teams in this year's race before the hammer comes down at the end of Round 11.
Currently occupying the top six are Tigers, Muruks, Wigmen, Vipers, Gurias and Eagles in that order while pressure mounts from teams below to knock them off.