After five hectic weeks of intense battle between the six participating clubs (Central Dabaris, Lae Tigers, Goroka Lahanis, Port Moresby Vipers, Hagen Eagles and Rabaul Gurias) in the first ever Women’s Santos Cup competition, four teams have bowed out of the race while two sides booked their spots in the big dance.
The stage is now set for the Central Dabaris to go head-to-head with the Goroka Lahanis in the 2024 Women’s Santos Cup Grand Final on Sunday, September 15th, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The Dabaris pulled off a gritty 10-6 victory over the Port Moresby Vipers last weekend (September 8th), while the Lahanis edged the Lae Tigers with a 12-6 win, with the winners securing their tickets to the decider.
During their earlier encounter in the season opener, the Central girls proved too strong against the Eastern Highlands ladies, posting a 14-4 victory. The Dabaris will be looking to continue their winning streak, while the Lahanis are eager to take revenge.
Both teams have had strong seasons respectively. The Dabaris went to a fiery start and led the competition from round 1 until the end of the regular season. They are primed to lift the Santos Cup.
On the contrary, the Lahanis began their campaign slowly but picked up the momentum in the middle of the season and registered a couple of wins, finishing third on the ladder. Finals football is a different ball game, so they have a score to settle with the Dabaris.
The Dabaris boast a mobile and experienced forward pack led by captain Carol Humeu and rampaging ball runner Marie Biyama, while the Eastern Highlands girls have a couple of seasoned campaigners in the likes of skipper Delilah Ahose and former Orchids enforcers, Seroge Sabumei and Christy Bulhage, including rising star back-rower, Yolanda Taute.
Dabaris coach and former Orchid, Cathy Neap reflected on the season and pointed out what the Santos Cup means to the young girls and women in PNG, especially those who are passionate about playing rugby league.
“It’s been a dream come true for all the girls involved in rugby league. It’s been an exciting journey for the girls so far. It’s like a new experience for all the girls who participated in the Santos Cup,” Neap observed.
“Everything has been done professionally and I believe it’s similar to the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup. The intensity of the game and the skill level has improved during the course of the season.”
Though coach Neap is positive of her girls to claim the inaugural Santos Cup, she knows that the Lahanis will come prepared to vie for the big title and give the Dabaris a run for their money in the decider.
“We met the Lahanis in round 1 and defeated them, which was a close game. They are a pretty strong side physically, having good pivots in the middle that control their game and strong forward runners, but I believe we will give them a tough game. I think the team that is better prepared will walk away with the trophy,” Neap said.
Lahanis coach, Michael Moses said they started the season poorly but picked up their pace in the ensuing rounds, managing to secure a spot in the playoffs and made it all the way to the grand final.
“We started slow when we played against the Dabaris in round 1. We were crawling in round 1, started walking in the middle of the season and now we are running. We will be a much better team when we play the Dabaris on Sunday,” coach Moses expressed.
The Santos Cup Grand Final match between the Central Dabaris and Goroka Lahanis will be a curtain-raiser match to the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final showdown between the Wamp Nga Mount Hagen Eagles and Kroton Hela Wigmen.
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