ENB kings of softball

EAST New Britain are the kings of PNG Games softball.
The men from the host province stamped their authority on the sport by winning their third consecutive gold medal at the Kokopo Sports Grounds yesterday.
They beat neighbours New Ireland 4-1 to claim their third back-to-back title.
Both teams were undefeated throughout the competition.
Madang settled for bronze after thrashing Northern 8-0.
A thrilled ENB coach, Mano Wuliah, paid tribute to his players, saying they had to fight hard to defend their title.
“New Ireland gave us a great challenge, it was not an easy win,” he said.
Wuliah said the Games experience was invaluable to his younger players.
He also commended the other eight teams – Madang, Northern, East Sepik, West New Britain, Jiwaka, Western Highlands and Morobe – for being worthy competitors.
Wuliah said East Sepik, Jiwaka and Northern had proven that they could match the top sides.
“Team Northern put up a run for their money and this has indicated that other provinces can do the same in softball,” he said.
The coach said three of his players – Chris Tingiran, Charles Kanini and Anton Vail Jnr –had been chosen for the talent identification programme.
New Ireland coach Noah Kanini said his team were well prepared for the final match but had to settle for silver as ENB were too strong.
“The better side was too good but I am impressed with our performance.
“We have made our people in New Ireland proud,” he said.
Kanini said four of his players had also been chosen for the talent identification programme. They were Daniel Tovon, Willie Giru, Michael Lamet and Robin Tade.
In the women’s finals today, ENB will meet New Ireland in the gold/silver playoff and East Sepik will play Morobe for the bronze medal.