ASILA WANGHI TUMBE DEFEATS BINTAGOR LAHANIS ON HOME SOIL

BY VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka

THE Asila Waghi Tumbe have defeated the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis 26 to 24 at full-time at the National Sports Institute in Goroka today in the round 6 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2026.

In just less than 5 minutes into first half of the game saw the the Asila Waghi Tumbe full back and Captain Mattew Jesse score his first try backed with a successful kick by David Joseph saw the Asila Waghi Tumbe at 6 with the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis yet to score.

Followed by another try by Asila Waghi Tumbe Charlie Buka and former Lahanis captain bringing the Score to Asila Tumbe 10 and Lahanis yet to score.

Scoring the Lahanis first try was Lahanis Ismael Peter bringing the scores Goroka Bintangor Lahanis 4 and the Asila Waghi Tumbe’s leading with 10.

The Asila Waghi Tumbe came back with another try just before half time with an unsuccessful kick leaves the scores Asila Waghi Tumbe 14 and the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis 4 at half time.

In a very tight second half the Lahanis struggled to come back with a tough defence from the Asila.

With former Lahanis players and captain Charlie Buka playing for the Asila’s against the Lahanis in the home game.

The Asila Waghi Tumbe came strong against the Lahanis but Lahanis came strong in the second half with two more tries with Asila Waghi Tumbe maintaining the lead with another two more tries until the full time.

Full-time score the Asila Waghi Tumbe defeated the Goroka Bintangor Lahanis 26:24 at the National Sports Institute in Goroka today (Sunday 17.05.26)

The Goroka Bintangor Lahanis will take on the Port Moresby Vipers in round 7 of the ExxonMobil Digicel Cup in Port Moresby next week.