Gurias mount a comeback to upset Vipers

The Agmark ENB Gurias are one game away from the grand final after pulling off a 14-9 victory over the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers in the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Semi Final clash on Sunday, August 31st, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

The Gurias had an inconsistent season but peaked towards the business end of the regular season, winning two crucial matches in the playoffs against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis and Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers, with 80 minutes away from reaching the grand final. 

With everything to play for, the Gurias and Vipers showcased an entertaining but slugfest contest in the first half. The Gurias got off to a flying start, with winger Chris Benjamin scoring an unconverted try in the 5th minute from a well-executed set play. 

As the intensity built up, the Vipers got an opportunity to hit back in the 13th minute through lock Roger Kenny, who showed brute strength to score next to the uprights. Following the try by Kenny, the match turned into a stalemate, with the hosts taking a 2-point lead (6-4) at the break. 

Ben Fege continued his perfect conversion duty, slotting a 2-point penalty in the 56th minute to increase the Vipers’ lead to 8-4. The Gurias responded from a scrum play in the 63rd minute, sending Chris Benjamin over the line and equalizing the points at 8-8. 

Racing against time, with the game hanging in the balance, Fege nailed a field goal, which looked to seal the deal. However, Muka Kulu made a barnstorming run inside the Vipers’ 10-meter line to score a match-winner for the Gurias, shattering the determined Vipers. 

Gurias’ rookie coach Wartovo Puara Jr was lost for words, crediting his players for digging deep to get the job done. The gutsy win was a sigh of relief for coach Puara, as the Gurias survived another elimination final. 

Vipers’ rookie coaches Brendon Gotuno and Wellington Albert were humbled in defeat, thanking the players for breaking the club’s five-year finals hoodoo and looking forward to another successful season next year.

The battle of the rookie coaches saw Puara Jr come on top, while Gotuno and Albert held their heads high and bowed out of the race gracefully, anticipating redeeming themselves next season.

The Agmark ENB Gurias will face off with the PRK Mendi Muruks in the Preliminary Final this Sunday (7th September), and the winner to go head-to-head with the Lae Snax Tigers in the decider next Sunday (14th September).