Gazelle to meet PNG Power in Pom softball grand final

LAE Biscuit Gazelle have advanced to the Port Moresby men’s A grade softball grand final after defeating United Brothers 7-2 in the elimination final yesterday at Bisini softball diamonds.
Gazelle will meet PNG Power this weekend.
The reigning champions, PNG Power thrashed Gazelle 5-0 in the qualifying final to book the first grand final berth.
Brothers hammered Mantarays 5-2 in a sudden-death playoff and advanced to meet Gazelle yesterday but infield errors proved costly for the Jonathan Sogai-coached side.
Gazelle won the toss and elected to take the field allowing Brothers to bat.
Brothers made their intentions known when they registered two quick points through Jollam Jerry and Jacob Niggins.
It all started when United’s first base Niggins hit a good ball to the outfield to advance Jerry home while Dick Bart Jr ensured Niggins came home for the first point of the afternoon.
At Gazelle’s turn to the bat, Francis Tony and Tony Karani levelled the scores at 2-2 due to poor fielding caused by Brothers.
There were no scores in the second inning and top of the third inning.
At the bottom of the third inning, Gazelle took control of the bat and, also capitalised on silly mistakes to score three points through Demas Totil, David Mickey and Tony Karani to lead 5-2.
Gazelle repeated their form at the bottom of the fourth inning when veterans Gabriel Pamel and Penial Eliab added another two runs to bring the the tally to 7-2. 
There were scores in the last three innings allowing Gazelle to defend their lead to seal the victory.
In the B grade, Gazelle led by Hulala Tokome beat young Brown Eagles side 3-0 to march to grand final next week to meet Stingers.
In the women’s division, Wantoks will have double celebrations when both B and A grade take on Mariners and Sisters in the respective finals.
Meanwhile, the Port Moresby men’s softball association has announced two squads for the upcoming national championships in Kokopo during Easter.
The defending champions: Danny Tovia, Isikel Tovia, Demas Tovia, Dick Bart Jr, Jacob Niggins, Jolam Jerry, Adrian Chan, Tony Karani, Demas Totil, David Miki, Paul Tabete, Sam Malum, Paul Bogan, Goodwill Baiai, Essau Vinarang and David Upaupa.     
The second team, Team NCD: Frank Bogen, Saga Gimi, Ora Gimi, Sammy Ropa, Steven Polum, Consie Bais, Michael Parum, Troy Taule, Eugene Tovue, Kamu Valala, David Manoa, Gimapau Keimelo, Kepas Momo, Raymond Diou, Danny Pialkolos and Nerius Kua.