Dabaris secure round 1 victory over Tumbe

Central Dabaris centre Peter Bongoro defending his Waghi Tumbe opponent (Image: PNGNRLC)

The Central Dabaris opened their 2026 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup campaign with a hard-fought 32-18 victory over the Waghi Tumbe in a high-scoring round 1 encounter.

The Dabaris' clinical execution on the edges proved the difference in the Santos National Football Stadium match, characterised by rapid-fire tries and momentum shifts.

The Tumbe's wasted no time asserting themselves. Bobby Joel opened the scoring for the 2026 season, crossing the line early to give Tumbe the momentum. The pressure continued as Dabaris winger Douglas Pirika capitalized on a neat cleanup near the line to equalise the score 4-4.

The Central side went back-to-back shortly after when centre Valentine Wamdi, playing against his former club, found the white line to extend the lead.

Tumbe refused to let the game slip away in the first half. Behind the playmaking of Jesse Matthew, the Tumbe found gaps in the Dabaris' left-side defense. The former SP Hunters fullback's vision set up a crucial try for the visitors, and he later showcased his own show-and-go ability to slam the ball down for a personal four-pointer.

With Dabaris maintaining a 14-12 lead at halftime, the second stanza saw both sides trade spectacular tries. The homeside set up a highlight-reel finish with a sharp short-side play, leading to a sensational put-down in the corner by Junior Hoki.

Morobe Kandes in action against Rabaul Gurias at Lae League Oval (Image: PNGNRLC)

The Tumbe stayed within striking distance through the efforts of Charlie Buka and Matthew, but the Dabaris’ depth was too much to handle. Peter Bongoro added his name to the scoresheet after a series of dummies from Uda Morea and Sebastian Gaudi created space on the wing.

The Dabaris sealed the result with a piece of individual brilliance from Vane Manuma. The big fella produced an explosive long-range run, outstripping the Tumbe defense to go all the way and put the game out of reach.

The Central Dabaris will look to carry this offensive form into Round 2, while Waghi Tumbe will take confidence from their ability to trade tries with one of the competition’s heavy hitters.

Meanwhile, Gulf Isou took out the inaugural Gabby Taune cup, defeating Mendi Muruks 20-16, Goroka Lahanis outpaced Mt Hagen Eagles 30-22 at National Sports Institute, DEM Cup newcomer's Morobe Kandes registered their first win over Rabaul Gurias, 26-16.

Enga Mioks were stunned at their home turf in Aipus Oval by Port Moresby Vipers as the visitors finished with a 22-10 triumph. Hela Wigmen held off reigning premiers Snax Tigers 28-18 in the final match of the Port Moresby triple header.