Vipers unleash venom on Dabaris

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers defeated the Gas Resource Central Dabaris with a 26-10 win in Round 14 of the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.

In front of a decent crowd, the local Port Moresby derby did not disappoint as the Vipers and Dabaris showcased skills, resilience, and determination, competing courageously from the kick-off until the final whistle.

The Vipers went on an attacking raid and caught the Dabaris flat-footed in the opening 15 minutes, with Terrence Wemin, Jeremiah Ben, and Benjamin Boas scoring a try each. Ben Fege and Jeremiah Ben failed to convert the three tries, leaving the score at 12-0.

With 10 minutes remaining before halftime, the Dabaris dominated the contest, scoring back-to-back tries through Lucas Dupa and Junior Hoki, trailing the Vipers by 2 points (12-10).

However, in the shadows of halftime, the Moni Plus-sponsored franchise answered back with their fourth try, with winger Manase Watt crossing over the line in the corner. Ben Fege failed to slot the conversion, leaving the halftime score at 16-10. 

The match turned into a taut affair in the second half. Dabaris’ Junior Hoki and Vipers’ Handape Tatape were sin-binned. Benjamin Boas bagged his second try, and Jeremiah Ben successfully added two penalty goals, sealing the slugfest contest with a 26-10 result. 

Vipers coach Wellington Albert noted that though it was a scrappy performance, he expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “It was tough, but I’m proud of the boys’ performance this afternoon.”

Albert admitted that they had not lived up to expectations, explaining that they recruited young players and created opportunities for emerging talent to prove their worth in the semi-professional competition this season. 

The Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers are sitting in fourth spot with 17 points. The Port Moresby-based side will travel to Jiwaka to face the Waghi Tumbe in Round 15 of the DEM Cup on Saturday, July 25th, at Jonah Ambane Oval in Minj.