Dabaris beat Vipers to top Santos Cup

The Gas Resource Central Dabaris defeated the Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers with a 22-18 win in Round 4 of the Santos Cup on Sunday, 2 August 2026, at Sir John Guise Stadium. 

The Port Moresby local derby did not disappoint, with the talented women’s teams locking horns and displaying skills, determination, and resilience on the field to fight for the 2 competition points. 

Dabaris established their presence in both halves, leading at the interval and defending their lead in the second stanza. The Central ladies scored two converted tries, and the Vipers hit back with a 4-pointer, trailing the Cathy Neap-coached girls by 8 points (12-4). 

Vipers regrouped in the second half, scoring three tries to lead the Dabaris on 18-12. However, the Gas Resource-sponsored club answered back with two tries to upset the Vipers with a 22-18 margin.

Following the gritty win over the Vipers, Dabaris surged to the top of the ladder with 6 points. The new Santos Cup competition leaders will host the ENB Agmark Gurias in Round 5 on Saturday, August 8th, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Meanwhile, in the other two matches, the ENB Agmark Gurias thumped the Lae Snax Tigers with an 18-8 victory at Kokopo's Gelegele Community Park, while the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis pulled off a 22-18 win over the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles at Goroka's National Sports Institute.

The current Santos Cup ladder after the completion of Round 4:

1. Gas Resource Central Dabaris - 6 points

2. Moni Plus NCDC Vipers - 5 points

3. Lae Snax Tigers - 4 points

4. Bintangor Goroka Lahanis - 4 points

5. ENB Agmark Gurias - 3 points

6. Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles - 2 points