Energised Puma too much for PIH medics in final

 PUMA had too much energy and destroyed Tent for back-to-back Cup success in Sunday’s Pacific International Hospital men’s indoor cricket grand final at Amini Park.

With a comprehensive semi-final victory over Pacific Assurance Group (191-90) the previous day under their belt Puma, after a slow start in their bating, stormed home strongly to post a match-winning 128 in their 16 overs.

Openers skipper Alewa Alu and Rarua Simoi were not at their usual free-flowing scoring mode and managed only a paltry 13. 

But that was enough to fuel an onslaught.

The second pair of Frank Doura and softballer David Upaupamade a valuable contribution to keep Puma on target for a big finish

Then entered Thomas Magiuli and youngster Louie Alu in a partnership that laid the foundation to Puma’s winning scoreline. 

They batted sensibly and took no risks as they found the net off every shot and stolevaluable extras in a 54-run stand. They kept wickets intact and took their tally past the 100 mark after their four overs.

The last pair of Timothy Mou and DikanaTarabu added 23 runs to put Puma in a winning position

Fourth-placed Tent had thumped minor premier NTIL for a crushing win in the other semi-final on Saturday but their batting was not up to the task against a gassed-up Puma attack in the decider.

In the Cup mixed final, Avis’ last pair took them to an unlikely victory over PAG with a 60-run stand.  

PAG made 118 and Avis, with plenty of runs in arrears after three pairs had batted, turned in a miraculous partnership with former PNG representative batsman Kapena Arua calling the shots for their unlikely victory.

In an exciting men’s Plate decider, Avis pulled off the game three balls to the end after ANZ had dominated the game, defending their meagre 52 runs. With great bowling combined with brilliant fielding, ANZ had Avis on the ropes from the first ball and the vehicle renters never really looked like getting that meagre target until three balls to the end.

NTIL made up for their disappointing loss in men’s Cup semi-final by easily brushing aside Digicel for the mixed Plate, winning 119-90.