Eagles end 11-year wait for softball premiership

By MELTON PAIS
THE Brown Eagles came home strongly to upset the in-form United Brothers 8-7 in the Port Moresby men’s softball grand final on Saturday.
The scores were locked at 7-7 at the top of the seventh inning when it was the Eagles’ batting time.
A solid hit by Peter Bunbun saw Tyron Paivu running home from third base to seal the premiership for the Eagles.
The Matupit boys made known their intention to win through Kolish Pagal, Paivu, Kojack Wosley, and William and Bernard ToAlbert.
As anticipated, both sides put on a tough contest to remain scoreless in the first and second innings, and keep fans on the edge of their seats at Bisini.
Counting on their young charges, were the Eagles keen to beat the experienced Brothers.
Sensing the game was slipping away, the Eagles looked rattled when the Brothers took an early lead with two runs. But Eagles pitcher Kolish Pagal had other plans, keeping the Brothers on two points.
The Eagles came back at the top of the fourth inning to level the scores 2-2.
It all happened at the top and bottom of sixth and seventh innings when the Brothers bagged five runs to pull clear with seven points.
Not to be outdone, the Eagles came up with runs of their own to post six points – three in the sixth inning and as many in the seventh – to snatch the lead at 8-7 and clinch the premiership.
Eagles’ coach Julius Uvia was over the moon after missing out on the premiership for 11 years.
Not only did they win the premiership, Pagal (top pitcher) and Paivu (top batter) bagged awards for their heroics.
Uvia said he always knew his charges would deliver regardless of the experience of the Brothers.
“At the top of seventh inning, the Brothers were leading 7-6 and the pressure was us,” Uvia said.
“But we handled the pressure well and closed out the game.
“I am proud of my players.”