Friends defeat Rocks

FRIENDS beat Gedu Rocks by three runs in their Under-12 division semifinal of the William Arua Rarua Liklik Cricket competition at Bisini Park on Friday and will face Mirigini in the final on Saturday.
Friends batted first and were all out for 38 after eight overs. Rocks bowlers were on target with Tarata Hitolo taking three wickets, Kapa Wari two and Mea Michael Junior two, but it was Friends opening bowler Loa Reva Morea who returned the day’s best figures of 3-5 to help his side to victory.
In an entertaining clash, Rocks needed three runs off the final two balls when Friends Dairi John held his nerves to deliver two dot balls for his side.
Competition coordinator Seura Loa told The National that it was an exciting game from start to finish and that he was impressed with the skill and enthusiasm shown by both sides.
“These young kids have so much talent,” he said. “You see the sixes and fours, the blocks, bowling and fielding, they are simply amazing to watch.”
Loa, who is a former national women’s coach, said the teams were mixed with boys and girls.
He said programmes like the Liklik Cricket were a good foundation for young cricketers to develop their love for the sport and work on their skills.
“I have coached some the Lewas and even Barramandis over the years and have seen players like our current women’s representatives Sibona Jimmy, Tanya Ruma, Kia Arua and toehrs start from these types of programmes so I’m happy to see these kids taking part here.”
Loa, who runs the competition with the registration fees from teams, said he was hoping to secure a sponsor for the grand final on Saturday.
The competition’s main sponsor is Cricket PNG.