The NPL Enga Mioks held their nerve to grind out a narrow 12-8 win over the Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles in a bruising Round 13 clash of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025. The home team, the Mioks showcased a thrilling spectacle of brute strength and discipline on Sunday, July 13th at Aipus Oval in Wabag in a match dominated by defense and physicality. The Mioks struck first through second-rower Emmanuel Balio, crashing over the line under 5 minutes to ignite the home crowd. Winger Joel William slotted the conversion two minutes later, giving the Mioks an early 6-0 lead. However, the Eagles responded quickly, with winger Sailas Joshua crossing in the 10th minute, but the missed conversion, which left them trailing. As both sides wrestled for control, discipline was crucial in the tense clash. Eagles forward Stuard Manda was sent to the sin bin after 20 minutes, leaving the Mioks to take advantage with a penalty goal from William to extend their lead to 8-4. The second half mirrored the first in its intensity. Eagles’ Centre Semion Tamai levelled the scores at 8-all with a try heading into the 50th minutes, but another missed conversion kept the game undecided. Mioks winger Joshua Philip then broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with the final try that proved to be the match-winner, as both teams tightened up defensively in the final quarter. Despite the Eagles scoring two tries, their inability to convert proved costly. The Mioks’ discipline, accurate kicking, and home support played a crucial role in maintaining their lead and sealing the win, boosting their confidence as they chase a finals position. The Eagles suffer a defeat following their win against the Kroton Hela Wigmen in Round-12. The loss will push the Eagles to pursue a win in round -14 against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis on Saturday 19th July, 2025. The Mioks will now look to carry their momentum into the next round, while the Eagles are left to reflect on missed opportunities that could prove pivotal in the race to the playoffs.