Cricket remains upbeat

Cricket missed out at the SP Sports Awards on Saturday, with rugby league riding last year’s successes with Papua New Guinea Hunters to taking out four awards.
Cricket PNG (CPNG) was nominated in six of the 12 categories.
“Although we were unable to win any of the awards, we are proud that cricket was nominated in six categories, which was the highest of any sport,” CPNG director Gayan Loku said.
Alu Kapa was nominated in the sports official of the year category which Hunters’ coach Michael Marum won, Igo John Mahuru in the junior male athlete of the year category which AFL’s Hewago Paul Oea won, and Girls Empowerment Through (Get) Kriket programme in the community sports initiative category which the Surfing Association of PNG won.
The National Capital District cricket team was also nominated in the national performance of the year category which the Port Moresby women’s softball team won while Hebou PNG U19 Garamuts in the team of the year category which was the Hunters won and Mahuru Dai in the Male Athlete of the Year category which Hunters’ captain Ase Boas won.
“Congratulations to Alu Kapa, Igo Mahuru, the Get Kriket programme, the NCD cricket team, the Garamuts and Mahuru Dai for being nominated,” Loku said.
“It is great to see that these athletes, teams and programmes being recognised for their hard work.
“Also, congratulations to all the other codes, athletes and programmes that were nominated and won awards.
“Thank you to SP Brewery and the PNG Olympic Committee for organising this annual event which has recognised PNG athletes, teams and programmes for 26 years.”