Tigers pick up momentum, registering three straight wins

The Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup reigning premiers, Lae Snax Tigers, recorded three consecutive wins after edging out the NPL Enga Mioks with a gritty 16-12 win in Round 9 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium.

After starting poorly in the early rounds of the competition, the Lae Biscuit-sponsored club’s victory against the desperate NPL Enga Mioks has given the team a major boost as they aim to defend their title. 

Six minutes after kick off, the Mioks were penalized for a crusher tackle inside their 10-meter line, and the Tigers opted for 2 points. In the 15th minute, the Tigers roared to life, with center Errol Gialom scoring the first 4-pointer and leading the Mioks 8-0. 

With 12 minutes remaining before half-time, the Mioks responded in the 28th minute through fullback Winti Raima, trailing the defending champions at 8-4 in the breather.

The second half was intense as the two teams fought hard to open up the game. The NPL-sponsored Mioks received a penalty in the 57th minute, converting a 2-point penalty goal and narrowing the lead to 8-6.

The Lae-based team (Tigers) received a penalty five minutes later and kicked a penalty goal, increasing the lead to 10-6. The Tigers scored in the 73rd minute, and the Mioks hit back with a consolation try, capping off the game in a grandstand finish.

Lae Snax Tigers coach Noel Zeming admitted that they did not start the season the way they would’ve liked, but he was happy that the team had found its groove to register three straight wins.

“We really wanted this win. We didn’t start well at the beginning of the season, so we know every game is crucial for us to win and be competitive. Despite the scrappy performance, we are happy to take the 2 points,” he said. 

Coach Zeming credited his strong, mobile forward pack, who laid the platform upfront for the playmakers to execute their game plan and score points. 

“We have strong forwards in the middle. That’s why we’ve been working really hard to allow the forwards to have more balls and run hard so that we can have the defence squeeze in and give us more space on the outside,” he said.

Following the departure of key players to rival clubs in the off-season, the Tigers struggled to win games in the first five rounds as the new-look side began to build combinations and find consistency in the playing group.

The Tigers’ winning streak commenced in round 7 after beating the Gas Resource Central Dabaris in Round 5 at Sir John Guise Stadium, which set the team on an upward trajectory, where they pulled off three straight wins and made their presence known. 

With three consecutive victories and flying with high energy, the Lae Snax Tigers look forward to making four in a row when they travel up to Jiwaka to face the Asila Waghi Tumbe in Round 10 on Saturday, June 13th, at Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj.