The resurgent Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles have risen from the ashes and flexed their muscles this season, trouncing the Kimber Cutters with a comprehensive 42-8 margin to claim the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Minor Premiership on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at Jonah Amban Oval in Minj, Jiwaka Province.
Last season, the Eagles were struggling to win games, which eventually saw them get the wooden spoon. The Wamp Nga-backed team did a soul-searching during the off-season and recruited new players, and signed coach Francis Ray from the ENB Agmark Gurias to build a premiership side.
Seven months later, the cellar-dwellers came with a renewed energy and imposed their presence, and put the semi-professional competition on notice, under the mentorship of a successful coach and proud Western Highlander, Francis Ray.
The Eagles’ meteoric rise this season has been nothing short of incredible to watch. They have been the surprise package and one of the entertainers in the competition, producing quality performances every week and topping the ladder for almost two months.
After sitting at the bottom of the ladder last season and becoming the wooden spooners, the Western Highlands flagship team bolstered their pack in the off-season and came with a mission to win the premiership, which they’ve achieved the first one and look forward to staking their claim for the big one.
The race to premiership glory will be an insurmountable task against other heavyweights or serious contenders, but the determined Western Highlands franchise have what it takes to shake the competition. This could be their year, given the way they are playing.
Under Ray’s tactical coaching prowess, coupled with the strong leadership of the seasoned campaigner Henry Wan, and the self-belief of the tightly-knit pack, the rejuvenated Mt Hagen Eagles stand a chance to soar to the throne and break their 26-year premiership drought.
PC: Countryman da Kopunist Images
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