Eagles preying on Malangan in final

By ZACHERY PER
MINOR premiers Brown Eagles have a score to settle when they clash with Malangan in the Goroka men’s softball grand final at the National Sports Institute in Goroka this weekend.
Eagles were beaten by Malangan in the playoff for the first grand final spot a fortnight ago, forcing the Matupit Islanders to shrug off a determined Laikos to earn the other spot.
The finals were supposed to be played last weekend but had to be deferred to accommodate for the 36th National Gaming Control Board National Softball Championships.
The Eagles will have all guns blazing despite skipper Danny Maira (short stop), still bedridden from suspected malaria while Malangan will be without the services of pitcher-catcher combination of brothers Steven and Allan Seri.
The Seri brothers, who transferred to Goroka recently, made an impact for the side and were selected to play for Goroka in the national championships.
However, both opted to play for Tabubil because they had registered with the association, thus they will automatically be disqualified for the final showdown.
A similar case will apply to their mother and two sisters who play for Malangan. Malangan will meet Laikos in the women’s grand final.
Despite the absence of the Seri brothers, Malangan still have a solid pitching partnership of father and son, Apelis and Leeroy Mapua.
Young Leeroy, whose sterling performance saw him win a spot in Goroka team two, may be allowed to pitch a few innings, however, his father is likely to shoulder the pitching responsibilities.
Malangan will also be counting on power hitters Peter Duffy Lumaris, Alois Ralai, Martin “PX” Colpen, Junior Kos Kupe, Steven Mandakai, Kolis Lahani and Andrew Naikabam.
Eagles’  line-up will be spearheaded by opener Ivan “TF” Warkit, Willie Tamenao, Maira, coach-player Sebby Womola, Junior John Supa, Deven Kapera, Alex Solon, Manu Titus, Peter Silika, Joe Pipi and Waima Paku.
In the women’s final, Laikos have a 100% winning record this season and are pre-match favourites.