WATER PNG RATS CLAIM INAUGURAL PERPETUAL SHIELD IN DART GRAND FINAL

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

THE Water PNG Rats have been crowned the inaugural champions of the 2026 Perpetual Shield Dart Competition after defeating the SP Brewery Masters in the grand final on Friday 07th July 2026.

The four weeks inter-company competition brought together employees from SP Brewery, Water PNG and PNG Power to compete for the Perpetual shield.

The competition culminated in the Perpetual Shield Grand Final between the SP Brewery Masters and Water PNG Rats, following the third and fourth-place playoff between SP Supply Chain Slingers and PNG Power.

The Water PNG Rats finished first, followed by the SP Brewery Masters in second place, while PNG Power claimed third.
The competition was played in a leg-dart format, with the first team to check out claiming the leg.

SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare said the competition was designed as an informal opportunity for employees from the three organisations to have fun, socialise and strengthen professional relationships.

“It’s really informal. It’s about having fun. It’s about networking. It’s about socialising,” he said.

Nilkare said the event was also about recognising the unsung heroes within PNG Power and Water PNG who continue to turn up to work and carry out their responsibilities despite the challenges facing the organisations.

He said many workers continue to provide essential services to communities despite difficulties, including the effects of El Niño and the competition provided an opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and commitment.

Nilkare described the competition as a way of reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the three organisations.
“We created this cup to bring us together, basically reinforcing the fact that in good times and bad times, we will stand together as partners.”

The Perpetual Shield Dart Competition was introduced as a friendly inter-company tournament aimed at promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and stronger professional relationships among the participating organisations.

Next year, PNG Power be the host for the Perpetual Shield Dart Competition, continuing the rotation of the competition among the three organisations.

With the Water PNG Rats now holding the inaugural shield, the competition provides a platform for the three organisations to continue building their relationships through sport and social activities.