Vipers Stun Cutters in Late Comeback

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers came from behind to pull off a gutsy 20-16 victory over the Kimber Cutters in round 5 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. 

Under the mentorship of former Viper and rookie coach Brandon Gotuno, the Vipers have had an impressive start after 5 rounds, registering four wins and a draw, and sitting third on the ladder with 9 points. 

Languishing at the bottom of the table, the winless Cutters fancy their chances to upset the in-form Vipers when they took a 16-10 lead at half-time. 

However, the Moni Plus NCDC-backed side regrouped in the second spell and posted two tries, shattering the hearts of the West New Britain lads.

The combination of current Hunters duo Gairo Voro and Morea Morea Junior orchestrated a clutch play on the stroke of full-time to steal the win from the courageous Cutters.

Despite trailing behind at half-time, the venomous Vipers found their mojo in the second spell to ice the game, with coach Brandon Gotuno admitting that there is more work to be done.

“We had our game plan but the boys didn’t execute well. I am disappointed but the boys came back in the second half to secure the win, so I’m happy,” Gotuno said.

“I think the boys were a bit slow. They didn’t start the way we wanted them to play. The Cutters were strong, but we came out the better side in the second half.

“Obviously, there’s room for improvement. We will work on our errors and be more disciplined in our next game.”

Meanwhile, the Kroton Hela Wigmen edged the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis with a 26-21 win, while the Gas Resource Central Dabaris beat the NPL Enga Mioks with an 18-14 victory, capping off the triple-header at SNFS on a high note.