Boromas Nail Hammerheads in Vodafone Challenge Cup

The inaugural Vodafone Challenge Cup saw the Capital Rugby Union Boromas pull off a 19-7 victory over the Morobe Rugby Union Hammerheads on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.  

As anticipated, the most hyped match of the year within the rugby union circle lived up to the fans’ expectations, as both sides went to the pitch with all guns blazing and put their bodies on the line in the early proceedings. 

After 15 minutes of intense battle, the Boromas capitalized on the Hammerheads’ mistake and made them pay the price, opening up the game with a 5-pointer, and successfully nailing the conversion to take a 7-0 lead. 

The visiting Hammerheads had their chances and tried to return the favor a couple of times, but they couldn't turn those opportunities into points. Their costly errors made them struggle to score any try, leaving the half-time score at 7-0. 

In the second half, it was a seesawing affair for almost 20 minutes as both teams fought for territorial play and ball possession. With a lion's share of possession, the Hammerheads finally broke the deadlock to equalize the points at 7 points apiece. 

As the clock ticked down with six minutes left, the Hammerheads gave a penalty outside of their 10-meter line and the Boromas opted for a 3-point, and then scored a match-winning try on the stroke of full-time, icing the game with a 19-7 dramatic finish.

Meanwhile, in the opening match of the Vodafone Challenge Cup U20 Division, the Boromas outclassed the Gaigais with a 24-7 win, while in the Open Women's, the Hanenamos edged the Magias in a gritty 17-10 victory.