By PETER PUSAL
COMPETITION is heating up in Port Moresby A grade cricket with no less than six teams vying for a semi-final berth in four weeks.
Raukele, SNS United, BNG Poreporena, Wesram Taora, Mobil STC and KCC all have a realistic chance of making the top four.
Round 18 fixtures has several interesting match ups and with the see-sawing form of some teams you never know what to expect from any game.
Basement occupants Mariners will be looking to inflict more damage on Mobil’s run into the finals when they meet on Saturday. Mobil are in good form but faltered last week to Wesram and a win over Mariners should get their charge back on track.
Also on Saturday a top of the table clash will take place at Colts Oval between Raukele and SNS United. The winner of this match should fancy themselves as minor premiership favourites barring no more losses in the remaining three rounds.
On Sunday Wesram Taora who have been in fine form after a slow start to the season will meet BNG Poreporena in a match that could see the loser drop out of the top four.
The other Sunday match has KCC who have previously shown good all round form mixed with a few dour performances taking on TST Coasters. KCC have more to play for as a possible shot at the top four is on offer while Coasters are playing for pride and also to avoid a bottom place finish.
The competition ladder going into Round 18 sees Raukele (37), SNS United (34), BNG Poreporena (32) and Wesram Taora (31) rounding off the first four while Mobil STC (31) are in fifth place on net run rate. KCC (30) who come in next can also make the top four. TST Coasters (13) and Mariners (12) make up the bottom rung and will be looking to build for next season.