Port Moresby

Port Moresby First Grade begins its finals with Kempa and premier United have taken ownership of the crucial top two positions following a consistent year highlighted by tremendous all round performances. Kempas captain and PNG's finest John Ovia has again led from the forefront supported by unorthodox openers Morri Morea and Pala Karona and backed by pace spearheads Loa Sinoi and Loa Ao.

The reigning champion will look to defend the title and at full strength are capable of repeating their triumph from last season. Rarua Dikana, Mea Udu and the young Dai brothers will be critical to their campaign.

The other two finals spots will be filled by perennial finals contenders Hoods and Mobil STC. Hoods old hands Leka Leka, Navu Maha and Tuku "Thunder" Raka will be supported by swashbuckling openers Richard Leka and Jimmy Maha. Mobil STC boast the youngest side on paper in the competition - five of their players are members of the current PNG Junior side - and will need the experience of old hands Tau Ao and Aukamu Noka if they are to progress. Shady Rest Coasters, Mariners, Raukele and Poreporena finished the season out of the running and will now look to next year to regroup.

In the individual stakes, their have been several notable performances during the year including centuries to Richard Leka, Ipi Morea, Piki Ravusiro and Seia Ovia whilst in the bowling department their have been 5 wicket hauls to Meau Udu, Loa Sinoi, Kohu Dai, Tuku Raka, Ala Nopiri, Charles Amini and Toka Gaudi.

The full individual statistics are as follows:

Batting Aggregates

Name	        Team	 Runs  Average Highest Score
John Ovia	Kempa	 435	43.50	   63*
Richard Leka	Hoods	 434	35.33	   115
Pala Karona	Kempa	 374	26.71	   71
Jimmy Maha	Hoods	 415	34.58	   81
Robert Piki	Raukele	 334	37.11	   66

* Coasters youngster Chris Amini topped the averages at 110.33

Bowling Wicket taking

Name	         Team	Wickets	Best Bowling
Mea Udu	         United   30       5/18
Rarua Dikana     United   29       4/21
Loa Sinoi	 Kempa    28       5/18
Noel Kariko      STC      26       4/21
Loa Ao	         Kempa    25       4/39

Lae Cricket

The Lae cricket is now in mid-season with an expanded competition including new club Wanderers this season. There are now seven teams in A & B, 6 Womens & Under-15 Junior with most clubs entering teams in 4 grades]. Hoods are currently atop the A Grade table and are led by PNG Cricket Board Chairman William Maha. There have been a couple of very notable player transfers from Port Moresby during the season with PNG representatives Toka Gaudi and Arua Uda both moving to Lae. This no doubt will shore up the Lae side for the National Championships later this year.

© ICC 2002