Raukele face United in ITI premier men’s T20 final

By HUXLEY LOVAI
Expect fireworks this week at Amini Park as Raukele take on United in the ITI premier men’s T20 Trophy grand final.
With both teams boasting current and former PNG Barramundis players, the match will be an entertaining encounter tomorrow at 2pm.
Minor premiers Raukele booked their automatic grand final spot with a six-wicket victory over the 2016 champions Hoods last Saturday. Their opponents United had a longer route to the final, first defeating Poreporena by seven wickets last weekend.
The win set up their playoff match against Hoods, with the men from Hanuabada taking their chances to secure a 19-run win over Hoods to set up the grand final showdown against Raukele.
With both teams fielding experienced players the sides are evenly matched.
Raukele’s bowling attack has been instrumental in their run to the final with Raymond Hoada Jr and Tony Ura leading the charge.
With the bat United have more striking power in the likes of Lega Siaka, Mahuru Dai, Sese Bau and John Boge Reva. All these players are capable of punishing a poor bowling attack, but they will have to be on their guard tomorrow with Raukele not giving them any such chances.
The match will provide a fitting finale to the 2017 Port Moresby Cricket Association season.