By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
PNG POWER looked indestructible on Saturday as they overran over LBC Gazelle 7-2 in the first major semi final match in the Digicel Port Moresby men A grade softball competition.
The victory enabled the Powermen to book the first grand final berth while Gazelle will meet Bears to determine who plays the former in the grand show down.
Bears ended SPIA Manalos merry dream run 20-9 in a nail-biting victory 10-9.
Daniel Tovia, whose pitching has always been a key factor in most games, was again in a no-nonsense mood, restricting Gazelle’s big hitters from making big hits out of his tricky deliveries.
He was supported well by younger brothers Isikel at backstop and Demas who was exceptional on third base urging his team members on with his excellent fielding.
PNG Power’s first run’s came in the second innings through Bernard Pamel. Albert Koniel, Daniel Tovia and Isikel Tovia in reply to Gazelle’s two runs also in the second inning to lead 4-2.
The power men showed much composure, focus and consistency throughout the game never wavering to any signs of danger posted by Gazelle until they summed up their win with three consecutive runs in the fifth inning to Alistair Tavol, Demas Tovia and Dimic Wosley making the final score 7-2.
Gazelle’s opening pitcher Nelson Kiap despite struggling with his line in a couple of inning took control of the game from the start but his batters failed to back him up in scoring runs.
Bears ended SPIA Manolos season yesterday with a nail biting 10-9 victory fanning off a single handed assault by Manolos veteran pitcher Isimel Marnapal. The Bears were cleared to play against Manolos after successfully appealing against a replay of the seventh innings with Market 2000 Brown Eagles.
The game ended prematurely last weekend when tensions flared up and the Eagles walked out of the game at the top of the seventh. The Bears were leading 9-8.
The Bears will now have the full attention of their coach Joe Lumaris after he resigned from his position as secretary general of the PNG Softball Federation last Friday due to work and family commitments.