The unheralded Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles edged the KMHL Enga Mioks with a palpable 16-12 win during the major semi final clash of the 2024 Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup in front of the packed Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday, September 1st.
Following that gutsy triumph over the defending premiers, the Eagles have made a small but significant history, breaking their sixteen-year grand final drought since 2008. From being the wooden spooners to premiership contenders was no easy feat for the revamped club.
While the Eagles have marched on to the big dance, the Mioks have one more chance to redeem themselves, when they face off against the unpredictable Kroton Hela Wigmen, who have a reputation of stunning teams.
Six minutes into the contest, the Mioks gave a penalty to the Eagles and Francis Ray’s side opted for a 2-point goal. After twenty one minutes of intense battle, the 2024 Minor Premiers (Eagles) cracked the deadlock, followed by another try in the 31st minute.
With five minutes remaining before the break, the Billy Gau-coached men responded with a four-pointer and narrowed the margin, leaving the half time scores at 10-6.
The second half resumed in a similar fashion, where the Mioks were penalized for a strip offense. The Eagles decided to go for a 2-point conversion. In the 69th minute, captain Henry Wan ran through a gaping hole and scored an untouched try. The Mioks returned the favor in the 78th minute but time was against them, ending the titanic clash in a grandstand finish.
Coach Francis Ray expressed that it was a good feeling to lead the Eagles to the grand final after sixteen years. Coincidentally, Ray was the captain of Eagles in the 2008 decider, where they lost to the PRK Mendi Muruks.
“I captained the boys (Eagles) in 2008 but didn’t have the chance to win the grand final that year against the Muruks. Coming back as a coach and leading the boys back into the grand final after 16 years is a big achievement for the Eagles. We are really happy and looking forward to the grand final day,” Ray stated.
The Wamp Nga-backed Mt Hagen Eagles franchise will go head-to-head with the winner of Kroton Hela Wigmen and KMHL Enga Mioks in the grand final the following weekend at the Santos National Football Stadium.
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