Flames beat Tamaraws in city final

By JACK AMI
Southern Flames outclassed Tamaraws 45-30 to win the National Capital District Amateur Basketball Association A-grade grand final at the Hohola courts on Sunday.
In a coast-to-coast battle, Flames’ big guns dominated the showdown with little resistance from the opposition.
Heading into the break with a 30-17 lead, Flames held onto the lead despite the Tamaraws stepping up in the final period.
The Tamaraws showed grit after the break but the damage was already done in the first half.
Flames’ combination of Charles Parapa, Moses Lune, Purari Muri, Garry Holmes and Cornelius Muri were just too strong and smart for their opponents throughout the match.
There was also support play from Obert Muri, Henry Natto and Eddie Moses.
Captain Lune (12 point) and Parapa (11) were strong in the offensive and defensive rebounds.
The duo and the Muri brothers — Cornelius and Obert — are PNG internationals leading up to the Pacific Games.
This was the biggest difference as Tamaraws captain Gabriel Elavo and uncle Bernard had their young charges trying their best to keep up the experienced Flames.
Tamaraws’ Michael Henry had 12 points.
Youngsters Moses Kairi, Harold Elavo Jr and Morea Elavo Jr also played their guts out but their efforts were not enough to put the Tamaraws in front.
Despite the loss, the Tamaraws are a good side who will take several years for their youngsters to develop their skills.
Results: Flames 35 8-Mile Plateau 31 (men’s A-reserve), Mayawala 25 Elegant Spiders 23 (women’s A reserve), Tamaraws 33 8-Mile Plateau 15 (Under-15 boys), Tamaraws 13 Elegant Spiders 12 (U15 girls), 8- Mile Plateau 15 Hoks United 13 (U12 boys), 8-Mile Plateau 12 Elegant Spiders 6 (U12 girls).