Briefs

Birdwings face test
THE NCD Amateur Basketball Association competition hits the halfway mark of the regular season at the Hohola courts this weekend.Tomorrow in the main fixture at 4pm a much-improved Birdwings take on competition leaders Southern Flames. Last week, the Flames beat Birdwings 44-33 and their clashes is expected to be another tight affair. Flames are unbeaten with eight wins and boast a high caliber squad led by Purari Muri and Moses Lune. Birdwings will look to off-set that threat with their own stars in Dodong Elavo, Francis Dobunaba and Ipai Willie. With the conditions also expected to play a role on the open courts the side with the best stamina and condition should come out on top. Fixtures: Sat, March 2 – 3pm Tamaraws v Elegant Spiders, 4pm Southern Flames v Birdwings, (W) 3pm Birdwings v Southern Flames, 4pm Tamaraws v Elegant Spiders; Sun, March 4 – 3pm Gerehu Jets v Waigani Herons, 4pm Gala Hoks v Maiyawala, (W) 3pm Gala Hoks v Maiyawala, 4pm Gerehu Jets v Waigani Herons.

Saints, Bears clash
A BETTER-organised Saints take on the Bears in the Port Moresby women’s softball at the Bisini Diamonds tomorrow at 11am. Saints pitcher Ragan Ropa will be out to keep Bears batters in line. Third baser Hazel Schulz and Stephanie Manning on first will look to cut off the Bears advance with some tight in-fielding and short stopper Cheryl Moka will be the final piece to the Saints winning formula. Bears Nadia Bais, Joyce Inguba, pitcher/ catcher combination of Lisa Polum and Francesca Kinit will look to impose themsleves early on. In the men’s A grade, United Brothers should have too much fire power for Gazelle in tomorrow’s game. On Sunday PNG Power face off with the Stingerz while reigning chapions Brown Eagles square off with Defence in the main game.

Mead ruled out
CATALANS Dragons outside back David Mead has been ruled out until May with an adductor tendon injury.
The Papua New Guinea captain was carried from the field on a stretcher during his side’s 22-12 Super League defeat at Wakefield and underwent scans to determine the extent of the injury. The Catalans announced on Tuesday that Mead, who has played fullback, wing and centre for his club, has been ruled out for between eight and 10 weeks. Mead missed only four matches in his inaugural season in Super League in 2018 when he helped the Dragons win the Challenge Cup at Wembley.

Hohola into playoffs
THE Hohola Off-season Rugby League heads into its preliminary finals at the Ipi Park tomorrow. In the main A grade fixture at 3pm reigning champions Toks Mix Dogs take on Bus Stop Spartans.
In the B grade playoff at 1pm SSR clash with Hoks 2 Magpies. On Sunday at 3pm minor premiers Texas Melona have a daunting task against the Mutrus Brothers. In the women’s match at 1.30pm 4-Mile Cats face off against Freeway Sisters with the winner to meet Toks Mix Dogs in the final next week.
In the B grade, BP Mix Mates lock horns with Mutrus Bros. Winners in all divisions advance to the grand finals next week.