Muruks return to the top

The PRK Mendi Muruks reclaimed the number one position on the ladder after thumping the Gas Resource Central Dabaris with a 26-6 victory in Round 17 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium.

Muruks entered the pitch with high intensity, scoring three tries through Jacky Winas, Francis Sam, and Finley Peter. Half-back Francis Sam converted three goals to put the Muruks in front with an 18-0 lead at the break.

The Southern Highlanders continued from where they left off, with barnstorming center Levai Andrew breaking tackles outside the 40-meter line and showing a clean pair of heels to score under the uprights, extending the lead to 24-0.

Despite the huge margin, the Dabaris did not give up. They continued to compete, finally breaking the deadlock and scoring a consolation try through interchange forward Ishmael Rodney, leaving the full-time score at 26-6.  

The table-topping PRK Mendi Muruks will go head-to-head with the 5th-placed Kroton Hela Wigmen in the final regular season round (Round 18) of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, August 15th, at Santos National Football Stadium.