Igam Crocs retain PNGDF Commander’s Cup with shutout victory over FSB Tigers
The Igam 11-3-4 Crocs are taking the PNGDF Commander’s Cup back to Lae after securing back-to-back titles with a dominant 13–0 shutout victory over the Force Support Battalion (FSB) Tigers on Monday 5th October.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop and PNGDF Commander Rear Admiral Philip Polewara officially kicked off the high-stakes final in Port Moresby, setting the stage for a physical, defensive showdown.
Both sides traded heavy hits early, with defense dominating the opening exchanges and keeping both scoreboards blank for much of the first half.
The breakthrough finally came in the 31st minute when Igam capitalized on a penalty, Sylvester Turmoni slotting it through to take a 3–0 advantage into halftime.
Igam maintained their momentum immediately after the restart. Just 10 minutes into the second half, Crocs' fullback Warwick Krykre crashed over the line to extend the lead to 8–0. Shortly after, Igam pressed their advantage along.
Despite the growing deficit, the FSB Tigers refused to go down quietly, turning up the defensive intensity and forcing several ball-handling errors from the defending champions.
However, Igam’s Burgess Kuapaitam sealed the victory late in the match, pushing the final score to 13–0 just before the final hooter sounded.
With the victory wrapped up, the Commander’s Cup heads back to Lae for another year.
In other trophy finals. Baslisk Marlins held off the 2RPIR Muruks 22-5 to claim the Plate. Goldie Warriors fought hard to claim the Bowl 5-0 over the HQ Chiefs. The Lombrum Sharks shocked the Long Range Reconnaissance Unit Troopers to secure the Shield 26-17. 1RPIR Diggers secured the Pennants shield 12-7 over the ATW Eagles.
Force Support Battalion will host the next Commanders Cup in 2028.
Best and Fairest Tournament Player - Sylvester Turomoni (Igam Crocs)
Man of the Match for this Cup final - Warwick Krykre (Igam Crocs)
Best Forward for the Tournament - Junior Jeff (Basilisk Marlins)
Best Back for the Tournament - Junias Walock Tatsim (2RPIR Muruks)
Oldest Player Awards
Joe Lambaku (ATW)
Teo Emmanuel (HQ Chiefs)
Ben Tape (HQ Chiefs)
Top Try scorer for the Tournament - Bonnie James (Igam Crocs)