Admiralty blaze to Lae title

THE Admiralty Marlins claimed back-to-back titles after brushing aside an equally determined Manalos 6-2 in Lae men’s A grade softball grand final at the weekend.
Played in-front of a bumper crowd at Scout Hall Oval, Marlins won their fifth title since admission into the competition in 1999.
An elated coach John Keleu’s choice of pitching of his first twin son, Henry Keleu paid off handsomely as he kept a lid on Manalos big hitters over the first five innings.
Henry Keleu’s deliveries were guided by catcher John Kiapen  who had Manalos danger menLindsay Pulu, Michael Kalas, Alfred Kinakava and Mark Ilam unable to get a break. At the top of third inning, Marlins struck through Kiapen courtesy of a home run over Morris Ilamia at centre outfield and a three-base hit to Malcom Koilamus, who walked home after a wild pitch from Manalos pitcher Steven Bunbun for a 2-0 lead.
Holding Manalos scoreless at the bottom of the inning, the fired-up Marlins’ Madang import Kolie Yadiwilo belted a Bunbun delivery to right outfield for a three-base hit at the top of the fourth inning.
Next batter Steven Koilamas was struck out for one down.
Kolies scored through a Mark Simon line drive to centre out field which landed Simon on second base.
Another line drive from Graham Keleu was tagged out for two down. Kiapen in good form with his bat reached first base and was brought home by way of a Malcom Koilamas home run over Tony Sapul at right outfield for insurmountable 6-0 lead.
Manalos held Marlins scoreless at the top of five while hitting back through Morris Ilamia and Darius Kero to take the score to 6-2.
The last two innings yielded no runs and Marlins were declared winners.
In the women’s A grade grand final, the spirited Shebby Manai-coached Stormerz dethroned Manalos 6-5 in a tight contest and in the B grade, Manalos thrashed Brown Eagles 11-1.