Gurias Clip Mioks

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup ‘Amazing Round’ lived up to the fans’ expectations over the weekend (June 21-22), with the semi-professional competition hosting all the matches in Port Moresby’s Santos National Football Stadium for the first time. 

Yesterday's triple-header of the second fixture saw the ENB Agmark Gurias defeat the NPL Enga Mioks with a 24-16 victory in a highly contested match.

The Mioks struck first in the 10th minute of play, but the Gurias hit back with two tries, taking a 12-6 lead at the break.  

The Agmark-sponsored franchise continued their momentum in the second half with their third try in the 53rd minute but the Mioks quickly responded, narrowing the lead to 18-10. 

As the clock raced down to the final quarter of the match, the East New Britain men scored their fourth try and the Engan lads bagged a 4-pointer consolation, leaving the full-time score at 24-16.

Former PNG Kumuls hooker and rookie coach for the ENB Agmark Gurias, Wartovo Puara Jr, noted that they are slowly finding their feet as they continue to build their structure and team combination. 

“I think we worked really hard to win this game. We kept on making a lot of errors and giving away penalties. If we cut down on the errors and penalties, we would be a different team. That’s something we are working on to fix it,” Puara said.  

“We have a new structure that I brought in and we are still working on that to perfect it. We have a new combination and young players joining the squad, including the old faces, so it’s still a work in progress. 

“We are training really well, but we haven’t played the game we wanted to play, so that’s something we are looking to improve on. We are not just looking for this weekend only, but we will keep on building until the end of the season.”

The ENB Agmark Gurias will have a bye this weekend and host the Lae Snax Tigers at Queen Elizabeth Park next weekend.