Chebu stop Bears, Wantoks

CHEBU put on a double giant-killing performance by upsetting Port Moresby women softball A grade competition pace setters, Bears, and holding Wantoks to a draw at the Bisini softball diamonds last Saturday.
 The Douglas Paak-coached team upset ladder leaders Bears 2-0 and yesterday, they held the second-placed Wantoks (who were earlier thrashed by Gazelle 22-5) to a 7-all draw.
There was no magic about their performances but it was their  tight fielding and batting which helped the club shake off the tail-ender tag they have been so familiar with.
In yesterday’s game, Chebu had a slow start with no runs at the top of the first inning while Wantoks managed four through back-stopper Pala Manet, Sandra Sawaraba, Rose Mohe and Addie Tamti to lead 4-0.
In the second inning, Chebu regrouped and scored through Hazel Schola and Katie Uvia at the top of the inning.
Wantoks did not record any runs in this inning but  still led 4-2.
Chebu scored two more runs through Ensie Simitap and Rose Ire in the third.
But Wantoks not wanting to surrender their lead ran in a point through Kurai Tovia to lead 5-4.
The opening batter at the top of the fourth inning, Jenny Paak, made use of the Wantoks fielding errors  by stealing bases to register a run but Tamti and replacement Eli Arek also came home to extend Wantoks’ lead 7-5.
Chebu ,despite their poor infield performance, scored two late runs through Rose Ire who picked up her second run and Erica Bob, to level the scores.
Wantok did not register aby run in their last turn to bat with batters Ensie Tovia, Pala Manet and Sandra Sawaraba all caught out.
In other matches United Sisters made up for their 3-1 loss to Stingerz on Saturday, edging Gazelle 3-2.
Bears suffered lost to Stingers 8-7 in a nait-biting finish.
The ladder stands as Stingers 23, Bears 21, Wantoks 21, Gazelle 19, Chebu 19 and Sisters 17.

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