PNG Power to tackle Bears in grand final
By THADDEUS TIRIMAN
GRAND final day is on in the Digicel Port Moresby Men’s A Grade softball and two teams are searching for a fitting end to the season tomorrow at the Bisini Grounds.
PNG Power, undefeated this season, will take on Airways Bears, a team that has been in the winning circles for the past three weeks.
Both clubs have showed class and determination this season to be where they are now but PNG Power will start as favorites tomorrow.
Even though they are highly favoured, PNG Power coach Isikel Tovia has played down any suggestions that the statistics alone would prove they have a greater advantage over Bears in the grand final.
“Not losing a game throughout the season means nothing to me. This is grand final and we cannot take it as any other game we have played,” Tovia said.
“Right now the momentum is with the Bears. They have won three games in the last two weeks compared to our one win against Gazelle.”
If Tovia is right, the winning momentum of the Bears can propel them to another big win over the Power men with their line-up consisting of big batters including Dick Bart Junior, Chris Avuchulas, Bobby Bais and Consie Lumaris who were instrumental in their teams win against powerhouse LBC Gazelle last week.
However, they are facing a team they have not beaten all season and must find ways to contain PNG Power hurler Daniel Tovia’s deliveries. So far young Tovia has been the best pitcher in the competition and he will be looking to repeat his exploits tomorrow. His batters Isikel Tovia, Demas Tovia, Eddie Simba and Alistair Tavol will have to back him up well and score runs.
On the opposing camp Joe Avuchulas can be tricky with his deliveries as well.
Although not in the form that everyone would like him to be Avuchulas is able to cause problems for the top order the same way he did against Gazelle last week.
Coach Joe Lumaris wants this to be a win for his team this year but he is expecting a tough battle against the competition’s pacesetters.
Sports Stories