| Sports |
Powerhouse challenger
By EKONIA PENI
PNG Power will start favourites when they play Brown Eagles in the
grand final of Port Moresby men’s softball at 3pm tomorrow at the
Bisini softball diamonds.
The decider for the 2006-2007 flag is expected to bring about fire
from the two teams dominated by relatives from Matupit Island in
East New Britain.
The Bisini softball ground is expected to be filled to capacity as
supporters converge to be treated to one of the best finals in
many seasons.
Both teams have had the luxury of two weeks rest following the
delay to the final as Port Moresby men’s team prepared for the
national softball championship in Kavieng during the Easter
weekend.
The season’s competition records strongly indicate that PNG Power
have the upper hand over Eagles. In round 1 the power men drew
4-all with Brown Eagles. Then in round 2 PNG Power edged Eagles
2-1.
In the qualifying final for a grand final PNG Power showed how
best they were when they Eagles 8-nil in a contest that really
wounded Eagles so badly that Eagles regrouped quickly to thrash
Gazelle 16-4 in the preliminary final a fortnight ago in order to
have another crack on PNG Power.
PNG Power coach Isikel Tovia has the experience to work out a game
plan from a team of players he has worked with over the last six
seasons to win the final.
Tovia will draw his first nine players from his sons Demas, Danny
(pitcher) and Isikel Jr., Alister Tavol, Blaise Diapong, Michael
Parom, Simon Daniel, Dimi Wosley, Eddie Simba, Edward Senna and
Cleland Tukana.
The players have performed well this season and will be aiming to
end off the season on a high note.
POM representative David Upaupa who played well during the
national championships will contribute good batting form which can
determine the outcome of the match.
However the power men will have to play their hearts out when
considering a bunch of wounded Eagles who would be aiming to
avenge the 8-nil loss to PNG Power in the qualifying final.
This would be the main reason why Eagles coach Peni Maita will
have to come up with his best nine.
Those expected to make the first nine are the four Port Moresby
representative players Siani Turlom, George Pukur, David Maira and
Paul Tabete. The other players are Damin Wartovo, Pedro Kinavai,
Edward Wawaur, Consie Lumaris, Benji Paivu, Pakar Turagil and
George Kiapen.
 
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