Vipers continue unbeaten run

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers recorded three consecutive wins after defeating the Gas Resources Central Dabaris with a 24-10 scoreline in round 3 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup (DEM Cup) on Sunday, 26 April 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium.

The top-of-the-table clash lived up to the hype in Port Moresby’s sweltering heat, with both sides delivering a tightly contested first half, only for the Vipers to run away with 3 unanswered tries in the second half. 

The local Port Moresby derby did not disappoint as the Vipers and Dabaris locked horns and battled for the top spot, with both teams displaying skills, determination, and physicality to take control of the match.

After 10 minutes of bone-rattling tackles and massive hits, Vipers’ rookie fullback Jeremiah Ben opened the scoring with a penalty goal, and a few minutes later, winger Manasa Watt bagged a 4-pointer, giving Vipers a 6-0 lead.

The Dabaris responded with an equalizer through center Peter Bongro’s 4-pointer, with the match turning into a seesawing affair until the half-time whistle, locking the margin at 6 points apiece. 

At the resumption, the Dabaris capitalized on the Vipers’ error and scored their second try to take the lead on 10-6. However, the NCD flagship team dominated the ensuing sets, with Joseph Kora, Jeremiah Ben, and Yamo Yakopa registering a try each to ice the game. 

The Wellington Albert-coached Vipers are the only team to remain undefeated after round 3 and sit first on the ladder with 6 points, while the Dabaris suffered their first loss and moved to the second position on the standings.  

Meanwhile, in the second match of the “Men in League” double-header, the desperate NPL Enga Mioks upset the red-hot Kroton Hela Wigmen with a gritty 9-6 margin and tasted their first victory of the season.