Gazelle, Bears face each other again

 SOFTBALL lovers in Port Moresby will see top games as the Port Moresby Men’s Softball League goes into the second week of finals this weekend at the Bisini Softball diamond.

In the elimination final replay on Saturday, LBC Gazelle will meet Bears again. 

The teams played last weekend but the game was called off because of fading light. 

Bears were leading in the sixth inning but after a count-back to the fifth inning had the teams locked at 2-2 – so the rematch.        

The winner will take on Brown Eagles on Sunday. 

The Robert Okole-coached Eagles lost to United Brothers 7-9 in the qualifying finals. 

United Brothers won the toss and elected to field first but Eagles first three batters of Gire Bunbun, Graham Kinawai and Jack Varuna were sent back to the dug-out by first choice pitcher Apisai Guguna. Changes of pitchers in the fourth inning made the difference when Dick Bart took control to help the team win won 9-7.

United Brothers are hoping to continue their form against minor premier PNG Power this weekend. 

It will be a strong test for the Dick Bart Jnr-led team. If the Brethren can maintain their batting, nothing is impossible to dispose the champions, PNG Power.

On form, PNG Power, with Tovia brothers – Danny, Demas and Isikel Jnr – should prove too strong for United Brothers.

Eagles coach Okole will be relying on Peter ToAlbert Jnr, Clement Okole, Andrew Akuk, Martin ToAlbert, Peter Bunbun, Gire Bun­bun, Graham Kinawai and Jack Varuna to lead the team to victory.

In the B grade first semi-final, Brown Eagles advanced to meet Defence after beat Stingers 12-8. The Eagles-Defence match will determine who goes into the grand final.

In the second semi-final, PNG Power proved too strong for United Brothers in an exciting match, winning 9-5 but the game is under protest due to Power fielding an A grade player. 

The B grade second semi-final games is Eagles to play Defence and Stingers to play Power if the protest is thrown out.