Digicel Cup 2021

Both teams recorded big wins last weekend, the Tigers thrashed PRK Gulf Isou 38-10 in Lae and Wigmen walked over the Agmark Gurias 22-6 at the NFS in Port Moresby.

While early competition favorites Lae Snax Tigers and Kroton Hela Wigmen are steadfast in continuing their winning form. PRK Mendi Muruks four-game winning streak came to a halt on Sunday when the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis overwhelmed them.

Thanks to a successful field goal from the boot of halfback Robin Soga, within minutes of regular time to snap a thrilling one-point victory 21-20 at NFS.

The hosts have returned to play the first match of Digicel Cup’s round 5 at the Lae Rugby League Oval on Sunday.

True to their name, the Tigers wasted no time laying into the Gulf team in the opening minutes, registering 20 points within the space of 28 minutes.

With six minutes left before halftime, the Gulf outfit scored their first unconverted try of the match.

Three minutes later and Tigers’ Anderson Benford burst through an already fatigued line of Isou defenders, with the ball swiftly landing in Max Vali's hands for another easy try.

Gurias with heavy defense and strong game tactics cut the Lahanis to lead the match at full time with an 18-point margin; full time scores were Gurias 22, Lahanis 4.

A kick from the Gurias’ Dickson Amean at the first whistle saw the Gurias go tough on the Lahanis’ defense, breaking hard to eventually scoring their first try through Dominic Anis who secured four points for the Gurias.

Thanks to a penalty, Gurias added two more points to lead with 6 points.

This took the match to half time with Gurias leading with 6 points to Lahanis’ 0.

Sunday’s opening try of the double-header challenge went to Muruks’ winger, Leon Undupia, 11 minutes into the match.

With an unsuccessful conversion, the scores were 4-0 until the JPG Waghi Tumbes returned fire 10 minutes later with an unconverted try.

Five minutes later, Muruks captain, Wesser Tenza, effortlessly crossed the line for an easy try.

This time, five-eighth Wesley Batari found the posts for a 6-point lead.

With just 8 minutes remaining before break, Tumbe’s forward, Manisa Kai, passed the Muruks’ defense for his second try of the match.

Just five minutes into the second match of Digicel Cup’s round 2 in Lae, and Tigers’ newbie, Kitron Laka, recorded the opening try.

Joshua Lau was not able to find the posts, with the score remaining at 4 until teammate, Cassey Dickson, slotted one in 10 minutes later.

Lau converted for a 10-point lead and 19 minutes into the first half and Junior Rop grounded the ball with two Tumbe defenders hitting the ground with him.

With the points now at 16-0, the Jiwaka outfit fought tooth and nail to make a mark on the scoreboard.

While the Mioks had the upper hand in the second half, Vipers managed to catch up and take the match from beneath them.

Opening the Digicel Cup round 2 games in Lae, the visitors registered their first try through prop, Fedro Gene, 10 minutes into the match.

With an unsuccessful conversion, the points were at 4-nil until Vipers winger, Ben Wemin, scored their second try.

Halfback Karis Peter failed to make the conversion.

Allan Simbiri, who has been awarded Man of the Match, kicked off at the Oil Search National Football Stadium (OSNFS) at 1pm today.

Despite the strong defense from Eagles, Wigmen managed to cut through their defense with great ball handling skills, and scored their first try.

Eagles on the other hand quickly countered, and raced through to the tryline to score their first try with a successful conversation.

With enough energy in their pocket, Eagles forced their way through the Wigmen defense again, for their second.

At halftime it was Eagles 10 and Wigmen 4.

Winners from last weekend included 2020 defending champions, Kroton Hela Wigmen, Lae Snax Tigers, PRK Mendi Muruks, Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers and JPG Waghi Tumbe.

They will look to build on their good early season form this weekend.

The Mt Hagen side was mauled 48 – 20 by the Lae Snax Tigers during their round 1 clash in Lae on Sunday, June 6^th.

Eagles coach, Billy Gau, said the team was testing the waters considering it was their first match of the season; a season that started quite late due to COVID-19.

“With the Wigmen, it’ll be a different game compared to the one we just played,” Gau stated.

Vipers secured their first win on home soil with a 16 points win defeating the Kimber Cutters 6.

The second match of the 2021 in the Digicel Cup Competition was between the Kimbe Cutters and Port Moresby Vipers was tough match as both teams locked horns in the first half.

Vipers where too good to make a first impression on home soil stepping their mark to score the first try with conversion unsuccessful.

The Kimbe men changed their game plan and managed to score the first try get in the gap to score their first try and to lead by 6 points.