HISTORY was made in Madang as the Sir Ron Albert Oval hosted its first-ever Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match, drawing an energetic crowd despite heavy rains.
The Round 2 clash between home side Kandes and visitors Central Dabaris kicked off at 2pm on Sunday, marking a milestone moment for rugby league fans in the province. The visitors proved the better side, running out 30-16 winners.
Despite a K10 match fee, Madang locals turned out in numbers to witness a national premiership match on home soil for the first time. The Kandes, who have shown strong form in recent weeks, including a preseason win over the Rabaul Gurias and a Round One victory against the Mendi Muruks, entered the match with confidence.
The first half delivered intense action, with the Dabaris opening the scoring in the 7th minute through Douglas Pirika, successfully converting for a 6–0 lead. The visitors were briefly reduced to 12 men when forward Greg Kondaul was sin-binned for 10 minutes.
The Kandes responded in the 18th minute, with Stanza Tandoa crossing the line, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. A second try from Bob Nale, again without conversion, gave the home side a narrow 8–6 lead.
However, the experienced Dabaris regained control late in the half, scoring back-to-back tries in the 32nd and 33rd minutes with successful conversions to take a 16–8 lead into halftime.
The second half continued at a high tempo, with both teams displaying strong physicality and determination. Despite the Kandes’ efforts, the Dabaris’ experience proved decisive, as they extended their lead to secure a 30–16 victory at full time.
Central Dabaris assistant coach Wilfred Henry said the win did not come easy.
“We came here knowing it wouldn’t be easy. Madang showed up strong, but experience carried us through,” he said. “This was our first game away from home this season, and the boys stepped up, but we still have areas to fix. Madang fans brought real energy today, it felt like finals footy out there.”
Kandes coach Stanley Tepend acknowledged the loss but remained positive about his team.
“It’s our first loss at home, but it’s a lesson we’ll take forward,” he said.
“The boys showed heart, but we need to improve our ball control and finish strong.”
“Playing in front of our home crowd for the first time in this competition means a lot to us.”
Fans braved the wet conditions to support both teams, creating a lively and historic atmosphere throughout the match.
“This is history for Madang, seeing a national game live here is something special,” one supporter said.
“Rain or sun, the people came out , that shows how much rugby league means to Madang.”
Following the match, excited fans gathered as the victorious Dabaris completed a celebratory lap around the field.
The historic fixture marks the beginning of more top-level rugby league matches to be hosted in Madang, signaling a growing presence of national competition in the province.
