Raukele win against struggling Niugini

LBC NGI Raukele has gone up a notch after its 51 runs victory over a struggling Niugini over the weekend.
Raukele with a game plan to send off super player/executive and skipper of the day Percy ‘Maru’ Vagi with a win was keen to have a bat after two consecutive forfeits.
With the mindset of setting a big score after winning the toss on technical grounds, Raukele opening pair Puana Agi and Neville “Clarke” Wari had the competition’s leading wicket-taker in Paul Faunt and company to deal with.
Agi playing straight with his drives made an impressive 27 and Wari (2) added a 35-run partnership after the latter was caught off Wari Opina’s swing.
At 1/35 skipper Vagi having his final opportunity, batting up the order had a point to prove with a steady four runs off 17 balls staying in there as long as he could, making most of his runs selectively.
Rauklele never looked in trouble after break was 5/86 with Keimelo Vuivagi’s wicket falling off the second last ball from Jack Navu before the break with Vii Killar (18 not out) at the crease.
The time factor became an issue for Rauklele batsmen, urging them to get the runs before change of innings. Killar (50 n.o) and Ravu Vuivagi (16) with a run a ball had less time to pile up the required target of 153 in 31 overs.
Nuigini without its blazing Jamie Brazier was weary in the run chase having been bowled out for 102 in 23 overs. Roge Ravusiro (33) rocked Rauklele bowlers with his bitter strokes but could not go on alone at the end.
Percy “Maru” Vagi’s slow decisive line and length had the Oilmen coiled up with the big strokes popped up for catches.
Vagi returned with the best bowling honours with 4/33 assisted by a back-to-form Laka Ezekiel 3/22 and Matthew Walo 1/25 and Agi 1/2 each grabbing the tail.
The win also comes after a timely sponsorship from Hornibrooks NGI Limited and club sponsor LBC with affiliation fees and new equipment for the season.