Duo blaze with bat

Sports

MAHURU Dai and Sese Bau played memorable innings with the bat for Papua New Guinea in the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) Premier League this week.
The Hebou-sponsored Barramundis won their final 50-over match last Sunday off the last ball thanks to a mid-innings fightback launched by 32-year-old Dai, who blasted 74 off 37 balls after PNG were precariously placed at 151/6 in their run chase.
In the two-day match against league leaders Northern teritory Bau was 110 not out at stumps yesterday with PNG 304/7.
PNG coach Dipak Patel said he was pleased Bau and Dai had played notable innings when the side needed batsmen to stand up.
On Sunday, chasing 261 for victory, PNG got off to a brilliant start with openers Tony Ura (39 off 50 balls) and Vani Vagi Morea (51 off 74 balls) making valuable contributions to put on 79 runs for the first wicket.
Then the strong Eastern Edge bowlers pegged back the Barramundis chase taking regular wickets to leave the visitors in trouble at 151/6 before Dai entered the fray.
Dai’s innings consisted of eight boundaries and two sixes great support by medium pacer Chad Soper (21*) who guided the Barras to victory off the last ball.
Earlier in the day the Edge posted a competitive 260/9. Trent Keep (61), MK Weaver (57) and Elliot Opie (45) were the main contributors with the bat, while Willie Gavera continued his brilliant form with the ball taking 3-26 and Soper (3-42) also picked up a three-for as well.
The win over the Edge moved PNG to second position after finishing the SACA Premier League 50 Over competition with three wins, two losses and a draw.
Assad Vala finished as the leading batsman in the competition hitting 239 runs, one century and a half-century at an average of 59.75 runs.
Gavera, in his comeback competition finished as the leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps to his name.
PNG’s final 50-over match against Northern Territory on Monday was washed out.
Match Summary: Eastern Edge 260/9 T Keep 61, MK Weaver 57, EK Opie 45; Willie Gavera 3-26, Chad Soper 3-42, Sese Bau 1-24; PNG Barramundis 261/8 Mahuru Dai 74 (37), Vani Vagi Morea 51 (74), Chad Soper 21 (26); TL Oakley 3-10. PNG won by 2 wickets.
Fixtures: Oct 5-6 – PNG v Northern Territory; Oct 8-9 – PNG v Western Grit.