Gurias snatch victory from the jaws of defeat to eliminate Wigmen

The ENB Agmark Gurias escaped an upset after holding off the Kroton Hela Wigmen to a 32-18 win in the Elimination Final of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 23 August 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium.

In their two elimination final encounters, the Wigmen shattered the Gurias in 2024. A year later, the East New Britain lads took revenge on the Hela men, with both sides leveling on one win apiece.

Given their recent rivalry, this match-up was predicted to be physical. One minute after kick off, captain Terry Wapi charged down on Lote Kuman’s fifth last kick and recollected the loose ball to score the opening try. 

The Wigmen answered back in the 7th minute through winger Cedric Walo. Halfback Solomon Pokare failed to convert the goal, leaving the score at 6-4.

Following Walo’s 4-pointer, the Gurias swung the momentum and scored back-to-back tries through Emil Benjamin and Ephron Achim, increasing their lead to 18-4.

The Kroton-sponsored side responded in the 35th minute through Cedric Walo, who scored his second try, and the Wigmen got a penalty conversion in the shadows of halftime, taking a 20-8 lead.

Wigmen came firing after the breather and kept the Gurias at bay, registering consecutive tries through Reuben Yawas and Cedric Walo, narrowing the lead to 20-18.

Unfazed by Wigmen’s second-half onslaught, the Gurias held their nerve and hit back with two tries through Mark Alunga and Simon Johnson, sealing off the deal with a 32-18 victory. 

Five-eighth Mark Alunga’s clinical performance helped the Gurias keep their title aspirations alive, while the Wigmen bowed out of the 2026 premiership race. 

ENB Agmark Gurias’ coach, Wartovo Puara Jnr, said he was pleased with the victory, but admitted improvement from his side and expected consistency in match officiating.

“I’m really happy with the boys’ performance. I think there are a lot of areas in our game that we need to improve on,” Puara Jnr said.

“There were a few calls that went against us, but I’m happy with how the boys handled everything. At the end of the day, it’s beyond our control. We can only control our game and how we play.”

Coach Puara Jnr said they needed to focus on their preparation and recovery as they look forward to meeting the Mt Hagen Eagles in the semifinal.

Meanwhile, the minor premiers, PRK Mendi Muruks, will square off with the newcomers Kandes RLC in the Grand Final qualifier. The winner will advance to the big dance, while the loser will play the winner of the Gurias and Eagles.