Top sides beaten

THE 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup opening round returned several surprising results which may be a sign of the season.
Defending champions Enga Mioks lost for the first time since 2022, when they were beaten 38-28 by a rampant Rabaul Gurias in the middle game of a triple-header at the National Football Stadium on Saturday.
The Mioks, who had gone through 2023 undefeated but had lost many of their title-winning squad, were out-played by a keen Agmark-sponsored side in a torrid but entertaining affair.
In the season opener, the Mt Hagen Eagles under new coach Francis Ray claimed a 20-14 win over Gulf Isou, which marks a positive start for the Western Highlands franchise after several seasons in the doldrums.
Boosted by a range of big name signings, the Kanges managed to control enough periods of the match to come away with a close but deserved win over a side that had beaten them twice last year.
Eagles 2024 recruit Dickson Pipi, who followed Ray from Gurias to the Western Highlands side, scored a double and was awarded the man-of-the match.
Ray’s influence can be seen through the back-rower’s stellar performance which had an impact in Eagles attack throughout the game.
The main game in Port Moresby saw the home side, Vipers beat 2023 runners-up Goroka Lahanis 22-16.
The Vipers under the auspicious of city hall and support of City Pharmacy under its Stop n Shop brand have had a successful build up off field and have started their campaign with a win over a quality side in the Eastern Highlands flagship.
New coach Charlie Wabo was satisfied with his side’s effort but said there was improvement left in them heading into the next match.
“I’m happy with result but we have a lot work to do especially with handling errors and discipline,” Wabo said.
In the other Saturday fixture, the Waghi Tumbe saw off a spirited Central Dabaris 18-14 at the Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj, Jiwaka.
Tumbe, who returned to the competition after sitting a year out, had to knuckle down to hold off the fast-finishing Papuans.
Yesterday’s match at the Humphreys Oval in Kimbe went right down to the wire as the hosts, Cutters edged Lae Tigers 24-22 in what was perhaps the upset of the round.
The usually clinical Tigers were pushed hard by an improved Cutters outfit in the sweltering heat of Kimbe.
In the other Sunday clash, the Mendi Muruks started their campaign with a convincing 26-16 win over close neighbours Hela Wigmen at the Lae Rugby League Ground.