Vipers thump Gurias to defend Marum Cup

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers retained the Marum Cup after thrashing the NGIP Agmark ENB Gurias with a commanding 42-12 win in Round 9 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Amazing Round on Sunday, 7 June 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Established in 2024, the Marum Cup is contested annually between the Vipers and Gurias, with both teams coming together to honor Michael Marum, whose rugby league journey connected the two clubs. 

Marum Cup defending champions, the Port Moresby Vipers, started fast and furiously, with dummy-half Ishmael Vaieke scooping the ball out of the ruck and racing to score under the uprights in the third minute.

Four minutes later, the home side scored their second try through lock-forward Sabestian Benson, and rampaging centre Joseph Kora extended the NCD flagship team’s lead with a double, 24-0.  

Down on their haunches, the visiting Gurias regrouped and finally broke the deadlock in the 36th minute through center William Tirang, narrowing the lead to 24-6 at the interval.

The match turned into an armwrestle in the second half, with both sides struggling to score points. In the 58th minute, the Gurias’ no-nonsense prop Muka Kalu barged over the try line to give the visitors a fighting chance.

However, the Moni Plus NCDC-backed Vipers returned the favor and dominated the final 10 minutes of the contest, with Joel Karialo’s double and Thoman Peter’s try sealing the deal. 

The Vipers not only defended the Marum Cup but also walked away with a K50,000 cheque. Chief playmaker and Man-of-the-Match, Ben Fege, was instrumental in the Vipers’ comprehensive victory over the Gurias. 

A couple of distinguished figures graced the presentation, including former PNG Kumuls coach and East New Britain Governor, Hon. Michael Marum, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Bougainville Regional Member and Works Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, and other guests. 

Both Governors Marum and Parkop congratulated the Vipers and commended the Gurias for showcasing a tough match. Both Governors assured their continued support in hosting the Marum Cup annually.

The inaugural Marum Cup was hosted in Rabaul’s Queen Elizabeth Park in 2024, where the home side Agmark ENB Gurias secured the title. The Vipers hosted the Marum Cup in Port Moresby last year and won the trophy, and defended it in 2026.