Development - Beyond the Test World

Papua New Guinea: Its Port Moresby finals time while Hoods lead Lae competition

The PNG Under 19 cricket team has returned from New Zealand where whilst performing admirably, failed to win a match

PNG Cricket

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  • The PNG Under 19 cricket team has returned from New Zealand where whilst performing admirably, failed to win a match. Notable performances were made by opening batsman Frank Joseph (92 against England) and medium pacer Greg Baeau (4/19 against Nepal) and paceman Gimapau Keimelo.
  • PNGs next international engagement will be at the Pacifica Cup in Samoa later this year.
  • In National Board news, Chairman William Maha has announced that a National Cricket Summit will be held during the National Cricket Championship in April to discuss the development of the game. High on this list is the development of a turf wicket.

    • 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.