Cassowaries rip Mudmen

THE Cassowaries cruised to a 36-run win over a resurgent Mudmen on day five of the Hebou Shield T20 cricket match at Amini Park yesterday.
Sese Bau top-scored with 83 not out to help his side post 177/3 with the Mudmen failing short (141/7) despite a gritty 46 by Bau’s younger brother Dogodo.
Mariners added more misery to the Mudemen’s day with a 59-run whipping of bowler Norman Vanua’s side.
In the first match, the Cassowaries posted 177 for the loss of just three wickets with Bau unbeaten on 83 and captain Jack Vare also carrying his bat on 36 runs.
In reply, the Mudmen struggled to stay up with the required run-rate but managed a respectable 141 for the loss of seven wickets.
Apart from the younger Bau’s effort with the bat, skipper Vanua thrashed 37 runs from 17 balls.
Bowlers Anthony Vare (2-12), Nosiana Pokana (2-17) and Chad Soper (2-28) all picked up a couple of wickets.
Sese Bau was named the player-of-the-match award.
In the second match, Mariners batted first and posted a decent score of 149/9 with star Assad Vala once again leading the way scoring 61 runs off just 32 balls.
Vanua (3-21) was the pick of the Mudmen bowlers while spinners Lega Siaka (2-21) and Jason Kila (2-29) picked up multiple wickets each.
Trying to prove a point, Mudmen were aggressive early in the run chase, but lost regular wickets to be eventually be bowled out for a disappointing 90 in just 13.3 overs.
All-rounder Kila (38 runs off 28 balls) top scored for the Mudmen while Raymond Haoda Jr impressed with the ball for the Mariners taking 4-12.
Vala claimed player-of-the-match award for his stylish knock.
The Hebou Shield continues tomorrow with the Black Bass taking on the Mudmen in the morning match, while the Cassowaries take on the Black Bass in the second match.
Going into these matches, Black Bass, Mariners and Cassowaries are all tied on six points on top of the ladder, with only the top two teams advancing to the final on Sunday.
Results: Wed, Aug 1 – Match 9 — Cassowaries 177/3 (Sese Bau 83 not out, Jack Vare-Kevere 36 not out, Kevau Donald 25; Paul Nigani 1-13, Riley Hekure 1-33, Jason Kila 1-53) Mudmen 141/7 (Dogodo Bau 46, Norman Vanua 37; Anthony Vare 2-12, Nosaina Pokana 2-17, Chad Soper 2-28). Cassowaries won by 36 runs.
Match 10 — Mariners 149/9 (Assad Vala 61; Norman Vanua 3-21, Lega Siaka 2-21, Jason Kila 2-29) Mudmen 90 all out (Jason Kila 38, Norman Vanua 22; Raymond Haoda Jr 4-12, Ruma Igua 2-20, John Boge Reva 2-20). Mariners won by 59 runs.
Standings: Black Bass 6, Mariners 6, Cassowaries 6, Mudmen 2.
Fixtures: Day 6 – Fri, Aug 3 — 0900 Black Bass v Mudmen, 1300 Mariners v Cassowaries; Day 7 – Sun, Aug 5 — 1300 Grand Final.