Varo’s hat-trick heroic charges 54 Bears to NCD Governor’s Cup Decider

Micah Varo’s three-try haul proved decisive, helping the 54 Bears claw their way to the Grand Final after pulling off a hard-fought 12-8 victory over the resilient Boroko Bulldogs in the NCD Governor’s Cup Preliminary Final yesterday afternoon (6th January 2025) at Kone Tigers Oval. 

In an intense preliminary final with everything to play for, both sides put their bodies on the line as they desperately went at each other to secure a spot in the big dance and battle for the bragging rights.

The high-stakes match kicked off to a fiery start, with both teams showcasing intensity, grit, skills, and physicality in the opening exchanges.

Within 15 minutes into the proceedings, the Bears opened their account with a 4-pointer through Micah Varo, after the Bulldogs’ player Kenny Yal was sent to the sin bin.

Moments later, Varo crossed over the line for his second try, but the celebration was short-lived as the Bulldogs returned the favor with a converted try, leaving the halftime score at 8-6.

With a 2-point deficit ball game, the match reached its peak in the second spell as the two sides emptied their tanks and wrestled for ball possession and field territory.

The man of the moment, Micah Varo, bagged his third try, and the Bulldogs nailed a 2-point goal, strategizing to score a match-winner, but the Bears defended their line valiantly and shrugged off the fast-finishing Boroko men.

Though the Bears had a few experienced players from the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup (DEM Cup), young Varo delivered a sublime performance and stole the limelight, bagging two tries in the opening 40 minutes and one in the second half to put the game beyond doubt.

The hat-trick hero is from Central’s Aroma Coast, who is the cousin of the former PNG Hunters 5/8 and Kumuls half, Gairo Voro. A budding talent from the village came to the city and displayed his talent, stealing the spotlight.

The annual NCD Governor’s Cup provides a platform for emerging talent, like Micah Varo and others, to showcase their skills, creating opportunities for them to further their careers in the DEM Cup and PNG Hunters, including overseas contracts. 

PC: Kumul Corner