| Sports |
Power play in men’s softball
By EKONIA PENI
Top team Brown Eagles will face its
toughest test yet when they clash with third placed Elcom in the
main match of Port Moresby men’s softball on Sunday.
Both teams drew 4-all in round one. However, some fireworks are
expected from both teams as they use the occasion to sharpen up
their defences and attacking skills in preparation for the final
series with only one more round to go.
Elcom’s big wins lately - against Bears (7-5) and Bullets (20-2) -
have been good although the forfeited match last weekend against
Dolphins could be a step backwards in terms of match fitness.
Coach Isikel Tovia will count on his sons Demas, Isikel Jr. and
Daniel, Simon Daniel, David Upaupa, Eddie Simba, Blaise Diapong
and Alister Tavol to focus on a plan to beat Eagles.
Pitcher Daniel Tovia will need to be accurate in his deliveries
and combination with brother/catcher Isikel must be blameless in
order for Elcom to cause an upset.
Eagles on the other hand have consolidated themselves at the top
due to a gradual build up in discipline and the teamís game plans
against Elcom will be no exception.
Coach Peni Maita will rely on sluggers Siani Turlom, George Pukur,
George Kiapen, David Maira, Pedro Kinawai and Paul Tabete to
dictate proceedings.
Eagles would unstoppable once they switch on in batting to provide
pitcher Derek Torang the support he needs to record another win.
In the other matches on Sunday, SPIA Manolos should beat Kopex in
the 2.30pm match, Airways Bears should have an easy game against
Dolphins at 1pm, Gazelle should expect some challenge from Samurai
in the 11.30am encounter and a close result should be expected
between Malangan and Bullets in the first match at 10am.
Meanwhile, supporters will be treated to more softball this
weekend with the replay tomorrow of the main match between Gazelle
and Bears that was washed out last weekend.
Gazelle were leading four-nil into the third inning when the game
was called off due to heavy rain. And it would be interesting to
see if Bears can be able to resurrect their batting prowess and
cause a stirred against the Antelopes.
Brown Eagles lead the competition on 28 points, followed by
Manolos 24, Elcom 21, Gazelle 17, Bears 16, Malangan 14, Bullets
10, Dolphins 9, Samurai 6 and Kopex one point.
 
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