Finals spots up for grabs

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Isuzu Twenty-20 (T20) Smash women’s competition is set for its last round games this weekend to determine finals placing as the four teams go head to head starting today.
Tournament director Lakani Oala said the women’s competition had proven to be much tighter in terms of competitiveness as all four teams have recorded wins.
“The competition is open to any team so we’re looking forward to see how these six matches will pan out and who will make the finals,” Oala told The National. “With all the teams recording wins, it’s making the competition interesting, we’re really looking forward to the next lot of matches from Friday (today) to Sunday.”
Oala said the women’s competition was paving out to be more competitive than the men’s as all teams recorded wins making it closely contested as opposed to the men’s competition where one or two teams dominated.
“All teams have been winning their games so points are tight and it’s good to see them being very competitive,” he said.
“An interesting aspect is the inclusion of the Australian players who contributing very positively especially mingling around with the girls and rubbing off their experience.”
Mudmen who are leading the points tally on net run rate after equaling points (4) with defending champions Cassowaries are aiming to do better this weekend.
Mariners on the other hand, headed by PNG Lewas skipper Brenda Tau are looking to improve their performance this weekend after losing two out three matches in the opening round.
Tau said they played once against the other three teams and familiarised themselves on what they were against. They will be looking to build off their performance this weekend from their 30-run win.
“We know what we need to work on as a team and what their weakness and strengths are and we’ll be using that more in the field,” Tau said.
Fixtures – Fri, April 26: Black Bass v Cassowaries, Mariners v Mudmen, Sat, April 27: Mariners v Cassowaries, Black Bass v Mudmen, Sun, April 28: Black Bass v Mariners, Mudmen v Cassowaries.