JPG Waghi Tumbe

Tumbe upset Gurias

It was a high scoring affair from the outset with both teams exchanging tries but Tumbe had the last laugh with the winning try in the final 10 minutes of the 2nd half to take out the match.

Before the match, it was quite an emotional moment for late Papa Gurias widow Derrie Nightingale when she presented the jerseys to the players for the first time again in 2 years after her late husband and franchise owner John Nightingale passed away in 2020.

Kokote On Tumbe

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.

Tumbes Proud Playing Grand Final

It was a remarkable moment for the Tumbes making their first grand final appearance, but were outplayed by the more finals experienced side Tigers going down 16-10.

JPG Waghi Tumbe who consecutively won their remaining matches to make it to the elimination round then to the Preliminary finals against the Muruks to winning the match and secured their first grand final.

Waghi Tumbe after playing their best game against the Tigers outfit fell short on points despite their tough performance against the tigers.

Grand Final Tickets On Sale

He said prices for the grand finale have changed, with the main grand stand tickets going for K50 per person.

The Northern and Southern Stands are selling at K15 with Eastern Stand going for K20. Western Stand is at K25.

Tickets sales at Digicel Headquarters started today, and closes on Friday. At the OSNFS, tickets will be sold until Saturday only. No tickets will be sold on Sunday at the game venue.

Tumbe’s First Grand Final Appearance

The Tumbe’s meet the Tigers after thumping PRK Mendi Muruks in yesterday's preliminary final 31-16 in front of a packed crowd at the National Football Stadium.

Skipper and wrecking baller runner Joe ‘the tank’ Frank was voted the Digicel man-of-the-match.

 

Tumbe in nail-biter

The big showdown however went beyond the 80 minutes of regular time when both teams were tied up 18 all at fulltime.

After the 18-all deadlock at fulltime, the PNG National Rugby league Competition under International Rugby League rules had to use provisions in its competition rules to allow for the minor semifinal playoff between Tumbe and Wigmen to continue into extra time to decide the ultimate winner.

The much anticipated do or die blockbuster had everything and played in true finals spirits that had its share of ugly moments with tempers flaring on the field.