Lae Snax Tigers demolish Vusu Raiders to claim 4th Melanesian Cup

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup reigning premiers, Lae Snax Tigers, manhandled Fiji’s Vodafone Cup champions, Vusu Raiders, with a comprehensive 56-0 victory to snatch the Melanesian Cup on Saturday, 1st November 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

The Tigers went firing on all cylinders in the first half and showcased a walk in the park footy, scoring 38 unanswered points and leading the contest comfortably at the break, leaving the Vusu Raiders scratching their heads in disbelief. 

The ruthless Morobean men maintained their attacking onslaught and hit their straps running in the second half, registering 18 additional points and blowing the struggling Fijians off the park with a resounding 56-0 triumph.

Coach Noel Zeming expressed satisfaction with the impressive outcome, lauding the Lae-based club for claiming the DEM Cup and Melanesian Cup and ending their 2025 campaign on a high note.

“I am really happy with the win in maintaining our perfect record as the four-time champions of the Melanesian Cup, and to make it more special was keeping the Vusu Raiders scoreless,” Zeming said.

“The players understood the importance of this game, so they put their bodies on the line. 

Winning the DEM Cup was exciting, but to finish off the season with the Melanesian Cup was very special. Our two weeks of preparations have paid off.” 

Mr. Zeming also thanked the club’s major sponsor, Mr. Ian Chow and his family, for their unwavering support over the years, ensuring that the Tigers continue to deliver positive results every year. 

He also extended his gratitude to the loyal fans of the team, including the players, coaching staff, and the management families, for sticking with the team through thick and thin, anticipating another strong season next year. 

The Melanesian Club Championship was created in 2015, with the Agmark ENB Gurias being crowned the inaugural champions, and the Tigers took over the reins in 2016, defending the title in 2017 and 2019. Eight years later, the Tigers scooped their fourth championship, solidifying their status as the ‘Kings’ of the Melanesian Cup. 

It’s an annual tournament that provides high-quality international club-level competition between PNG and Fiji, serving as a motivational drive for the national franchises and clubs in both countries.