Mobil clinch top four spot

By PETER PUSAL
COLTS Oval, TST Coasters (7-233) could not put the brakes on a committed Mobil STC (9-234) outfit last Saturday in the Port Moresby A grade cricket competition. Mobil secured a one-wicket win to set foot into the top four for the first time this season. And they did it batting second.
Setting a target of 234 to win Mobil were given a solid start by top order batsmen Clive Elly (24) and Frank Joseph (33). Captain Mahuta Kivung (52) also made a valuable contribution in what was a competent all-round team performance.
For the Keapara men, Wala Vala (49), Jimmy Maha (62) and Roy Ginate (40) stood out with the bat in helping post a very competitive score. Vala (2-54) and Maha (3-26) also contributed with the ball but ultimately it was Mobil’s overall team effort that saw them surged into fourth place with an undeniable form card to boast.
In the other Saturday game at Amini Park, Wesram Taora’s (10-184) run of improbable victories continued when they knocked off competition top dogs SNS United (10-173) in a gutsy 11-run win. United chasing 185 for victory, fell short despite a blistering 62 by Rarua Dikana.
Yesterday only one match was completed when BNG Poreporena locked horns with KCC at Colts. KCC (8-217) posted a reasonable score batting first, Winnie Momo’s 51 the highlight. For Poreporena, Rarua Agalu (2-38) and Seia Ovia’s (2-7) cameo contributed to derail what could have been a more imposing total from the Koita men.
In reply, BNG Poreporena (6-218) was able to overhaul the target for the loss of just six wickets securing a four-wicket win and sending KCC out of the top four.
For Raukele, their season seems to be going from bad to worse when their match against Mariners ended in a no-result. The on-field drama began when Raukele players refused to recognise the match umpire’s role – the game was called off as a result. No doubt there will be reverberations from PMCB during the week.