By PETER PUSAL
The weekend matches in the Port Moresby A Grade Cricket competition will see some interesting encounters as teams intensify their efforts with an eye on securing places in the top four.
One such team is fifth placed Mobil STC who after trouncing their more fancied rivals KCC (fourth) last week will be hoping to repeat the doss against the Raukele (first) juggernaut at Colts on Sunday.
Judging from last weekend’s round of matches this weekend’s games are an even-money bet as some sides pick up form while others are starting to falter with the finals looming.
While some teams showing hot and cold form others are headed on a steady downhill course, whatever the position of the team this weekend will see some desperation stakes as teams just outside the top four press hard for berths in the finals.
Some matches are a toss up such as the Wesram-KCC game scheduled for Saturday at Amini Park. Both teams have shown wobbly form although KCC, the more consistent of the two, was unable to escape the sword last week going down to Mobil STC. Wesram (sixth) on the other hand sneaked an unlikely win at Mariners (eighth) expense.
The consistent Raukele outfit is again in poll position heading into their Sunday clash against a dangerous Mobil STC line up which has hit a purple patch of late especially with the ball. This match up would have to be the game of the round as Raukele will face their stiffest challenge yet against a buoyant Mobil team.
Other match ups will see a local Hanubada derby on Saturday as TST Coasters (seventh) clash with Mariners at the Colts oval. Both teams, having come off disappointing loses, will need to knuckle down to get their seasons back on track.
The other game scheduled for Sunday at Amini Park is between second placed SNS United and BNG Poreporena who are currently sitting on third place.
In related news Port Moresby Cricket Association secretary Kilian Amini has sent out a circular advising clubs of the updated ladder and the resumption of lower grade matches at the Murray Barracks.