Garamuts go down fighting

THE Papua New Guinea Garamuts’ campaign for the International Cricket Council U19 World Cup was shattered by the West Indies yesterday as they fell to a five-wicket loss.
The West Indies elected to take the field in the first innings and were determined to lock PNG down similarly to what the Sri Lankans did on Monday.
However, the Garamuts were all fired-up and also determined to at least register a win in the first pool matches and ended up setting 187 runs for the Windies to beat.
The Garamuts openers Heni and Lega Siaka began on a good note with Heni scoring 28 and Lega 21.
Vagi Oala came in at first drop only to score 12 while Tony Ura and Charles Amini went in shortly only to be dismissed for single figures.
Things started to look good for the Garamuts when Sese Bau stepped in with four 4s, hitting half a century off 55 balls while Jason Kila added 30 and Jon Reva smashed a quick 21 off 21.
Even though, PNG had scored good runs the boys had lagged behind with a low run rate which was easily superseded by the West Indians with five wickets to spare.
Also, West Indies all rounder Yannic Cariah, who bowls a mean leg break, took four for 47 total wiping out the Garamuts top order.  
The West Indies came in with opener Kraigg Bratwaite smashing 82 off 79 while teammate Shane Dowrich (not out) added 84 to total 5/188 with the rest of them single figures.
The loss has left PNG finishing last in their group and unfortunately without a win to end their first pool rounds.
However, the Garamuts still have a chance as they will remain in Palmerston North to vie for the plate tournament, which will be played from  Saturday to next Thursday.