Madang, Lae remain favourites in softball
By EKONIA PENI
MADANG and Lae will remain outright favourites in both men’s and women’s to win the national softball championships this weekend in Port Moresby.
The 32nd national softball championships which is hosted by Port Moresby pitches off tomorrow at the Bisini softball diamonds. It will conclude with the finals next Monday.
Madang’s chances of a winning the men’s has been boosted with the inclusion of Esau Vinarang as the pitcher of one of the teams.
While last year’s winning pitcher Meli Taragau remains the most lethal pitcher to lead the Madang team to defend the national titles for the third time if all goes well during the tournament. Madang defeated Lae during last Easter’s Kavieng champiosnhips to make it a back to back title.
Madang officials are quietly confident that they will be sending teams who have prepared well for the tournament.
The men’s teams from Lae will also be favourites for a place in the finals as they have always been
in the past with pitchers Peter Simon and Steven
Bunbun Jr expected to lead their attacks.
The hosts’ teams from Port Moresby will be equally competitive and it will not be a surprise if one or two of the home teams advance into the finals for a show down with Lae and Madang.
Port Moresby pitchers Danny Tovia and Isimel Marnapal (Digicel Red), Saga Gimi and Joe Avuchulas Jr (Digicel White) and Apisai Guguna, Patrick Pilak and Tony Williams (Port Moresby Gold) will hold the keys to either of the three teams entering the finals.
The men’s teams from Lihir, Rabaul, Kavieng and Tabubil will be bringing unknown quantity and quality of players who would no doubt be able to cause some upsets during the championships.
A late inclusion of the Kokopo Men’s team came yesterday.
According to PNGSF treasurer Harry Keket the Kokopo Men’s team was confirmed to come today for the national titles and the draw to be finalised by this afternoon.
Former Malangan and Port Moresby based pitcher Ronald Lesley’s combination with catcher Bobby Bais will be crucial for Lihir during the tournament.
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