The Port Moresby Cricket Competition has begun in earnest with all grades
having completed Round 6.
In the Men's First Grade, Shady Rest Hotel Coasters have begun the season in scintillating form having lost only once as they head the first Grade table. Their top order has been clicking with youngsters Chris Amini averaging 107.50 and William Harry leading the way.Both juniors have been recently selected in the PNG Junior Side to contest the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand early next year.
Last season's finalists Mobil STC currently sit in second position overall following a 4/2 start to the season. Mobil's youthful side has shown tremendous form with notable performances already from national junior captain Mahuta Kivung and fellow juniors Gimapau Keimelo and Ross Vagi.
Kempa trail in third place and have shown that they will be a force. Captain
John Ovia, hard hitting Numa Noka and paceman Loa Sinoi have been the standouts. Fourth position is filled by Hoods who have had an up and down year.
Top order batsman Richard Leka the only centurion of the season thus far and
Jimmy Maha have combined with veteran fast bowler Tuku Raka to keep Hoods in
the top 4. Premiers United are in 5th followed by Mariners, Raukele and Poreporena. The individual statistics are as follows:
Batting Aggregates
Name Team Runs Average Highest Score
Richard Leka Hoods 240 48.00 115
Chris Amini Coasters 215 107.5 63*
Robert Piki Raukele 195 65.00 60*
Numa Noka Kempa 181 36.20 57
Mahuta Kivung STC 181 45.25 99*
Bowling
Name Team Wickets Best Bowling
Kohu Dai United 16 5/41
Sere Ao Mariners 16 4/29
Mea Udu United 14 5/18
Noel Kariko STC 14 3/14
Toka Gaudi Mariners 14 5/50
In other grades Raukele lead Second Grade, Kila Kila head Under 19, STC the
Under 16s and Poreporena lead the Women's Competition.
In national cricket news PNG Cricket Board Chairman William Maha has
announced the junior team for the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand next
January.
The squad of 20 players comprising 17 from the Port Moresby Competition will
be trimmed to 14 before the team travels for the tournament which begins on
January 14th. PNG has been pooled with England, Pakistan and Nepal and will
be making their second appearance after first competing in South Africa four
years ago. The side will be led by Mahuta Kiving and Kohu Dai and will be
coached by former PNG great Vavine Pala.
© ICC