The women’s crown had evaded Port Moresby teams for the last two seasons, with Bara FC of Lae Football Association taking top honours.
The victory was sweet for Crusaders’ Esther Kurabi as well as her teammates Jacqueline Chalau, Miriam Lanta and Linda Bunaga as they snatched the title away from Poro.
Kurabi sent a message to women’s national team selectors as she struck twice in the 15th and the 35th minute to lay the foundations for the Northern Crusaders’ maiden victory.
The part East Sepik and Bougainville lass missed out on taking part in last year’s Oceania women’s qualifier tournament despite some good form but has since proved that she has more than just the potential to be the country’s number one striker.
The first half of the match saw another Crusaders’ goal scored by veteran Miriam Lanta while Egar Teddy of Poro scored a goal to drag her team into the contest with the two sides entering the break with the score at 3-1.
Poro came back firing in the second half, led by Zenna Limbai and Megan Gunemba, as the Lae women had the Crusaders scrambling to keep the ball out.
During the continuous raids the Port Moresby-based team lost both Elaine Lema and Bertha Yapi to injury which allowed Zonuwg Atia to score narrowing the margin to 3-2.
The Crusaders played out the rest of the half with a safety first mantra and managed to hold on for victory.
For more on Papua New Guinea football go to www.pngfootball.com.pg

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