REIGNING premier Pagini Hoods face two tough draws against Koukou this weekend and Raukele in the last game the following week to secure the spot in the final of Lae cricket.
The Pagini Transports sponsored team (101.47) has led the competition all the way with LBC HB Raukele (97.25) on its heels. Hoods who had an easy win against Lagatoi will be looking to in-form players in skipper Rodney Maha, Ronnie Pouna and new recruit John Karo to lead the way.
Hoods will rely on youngster Tau Sere and Billy Maha to lead the attack whilst the old hands Walo Au and William Maha are likely to provide variety with spind.
Koukou on the hand as regrouped with fast bowl Tuou Amini expected to play after missing last weekend encounter against Raukele.
The will still be missing their exciting young opener Alfred Amini who is on national duties overseas. Gapi Mogala, Iamo Gure and skipper Namana Gure must perform with the bat if it need to get over hoods, otherwise the reigning premiers are poised to wrap up the minor premiership this weekend.
In the other match, Raukele will be having a final rehearsal against Lagatoi.
In other cricket related news, LCA has been stripped a total of 17.80 points from Lagatois tally for non payment of outstanding affiliation fee.
President William Maha said ìLagatoi is now given until Feb 15 to settle all outstanding fees will be excluded from the competition.