The PRK Mendi Muruks have handed the NCDC Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers their first defeat of the season with a hard-fought 12-10 victory.

The opening half saw both sides locked in an intense battle, with each team crossing for one try apiece. Muruks centre Lega Batia opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Jacky Winas successfully added the extras.

The Vipers responded just before halftime through fullback Jeremiah Ben, who scored in the 39th minute. Ben Fege converted successfully to level the scores heading into the break.

Coming back strongly in the second half, the Muruks regained the lead in the 62nd minute when Emmanuel Balio crossed over for another try. Winas maintained his perfect kicking record by slotting his second successful conversion of the match.

The Vipers continued to apply pressure and narrowed the margin late in the game through centre Martin Yanda, who scored in the 70th minute. However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Muruks to hold onto a narrow two-point lead until fulltime.

Both teams made several interchanges throughout the match as the contest intensified. The closing stages also saw tensions flare; with Vipers players Yomo Yakopa and Ishmael Vaieke sent to the sin bin in the 78th minute. Muruks player Limbi Henry was also dismissed late in the game.

The man of the match award was awarded to Mendi Muruks five-eight Jacky Winas.