Wigmen thump Tumbe to secure top spot

The Kroton Hela Wigmen have claimed the pole position after defeating the Asila Waghi Tumbe with a 30-8 victory in round 5 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 10 May 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Wigmen put their feet down in a fast and furious show, with Sharich Walo scoring a double from sleek ball executions, while Woods Kawage added the 4-pointer, and Solomon Pokare nailed all 3 conversions, leaving the half-time score at 18-0.

The red-hot Hela men quickly scored their fourth try in the 5th minute of the second half, with fullback Joshua Andapi receiving a second-man ball and swerving past five defenders to score under the sticks, increasing the lead to 24-0.

However, with a fair chunk of ball possession, the Tumbe finally registered their first try through left winger Abraham Nop (5) and scored again a few minutes later through right winger Selika Matthew, reducing the deficit to 24-8.

The Asila-sponsored club kept the high-flying Wigmen at bay in the next 10 minutes. However, their defensive resolve lapsed as Wigmen’s hard-running lock-forward Kopu Piju bagged the fifth try to put the game beyond doubt.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen have won four games and lost one game to the NPL Enga Mioks in round 3. They are on 8 points apiece with the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers and PRK Mendi Muruks, but have the upper hand due to percentage.

With strong consecutive wins and sitting first on the ladder, the red-hot Andrew Andiki-coached Wigmen will look to make it three in a row when they meet the Vipers in round 6 of the DEM Cup on Sunday, May 17th, at Santos National Football Stadium.