Raukele stun Hoods in T20 win

Sports

RAUKELE recorded a stunning 73-run victory over Hoods in the Port Moresby Cricket Association’s ITI T20 Cricket Trophy premier grade match last Saturday at Amini Park.
After winning the toss Hoods sent Raukele in to bat and it was a decision that backfired as openers Raho Sam (19) and Arina Lahari (49) hit the Hoods bowling freely.
After their dismissals, things did not get any easier for Hoods as first drop Tony Ura (58) along with Kiplin Doriga (49) continued the pillaging to reach 182/2.
In reply, Hoods got off to a bad start as openers Hiri Hiri (0) and Steven Eno (10) fell victim to Raymond Haoda Jr’s swing and seam.
The lanky paceman finished the match with four for 25 while part-timer Ura also helped himself to a four-for (4-18).
The usually dependable Hoods batting order could not cope with the steady line and length from the pair and backed up by sound fielding the writing was on the wall before the 10th over.
To their credit Hoods batted out their overs and finished 73 runs short of their target (110/9).
For the premiers, their two losses in as many weeks as the comp heads into the business end of the season.
It was a major upset to the Hoods as they look to book the finals.
But with the quality of players at their disposal, Hoods have a lot more in the tank and will surely be out to prove a point this weekend.