Giants trample Aussies

SEVEN members of the PNG men’s softball squad have used the  recent Canberra Skins Fast-Pitch tournament to prepare for the World Cup next year.
PNG softball coaching director Ken Selu commended the players of Port Moresby Giants team for competing at the Dec 2-4 event in Canberra.
The players that formed the Giants team were Gaby Pamel (Gazelle), Constantine Bais (Bears), Bobby Bais (Bears), Collin Mangot (Yokomo), Anslem Bunbun (Bears), Chris Paak (Defence) and Robinson Longbut (Bears).
He said the players used the tournament as preparation for the Softball World Series in White Horse, Canada, in July.
“There is room for improvement and the players have time to fine-tune. Plans to take part in another Australian softball tournament are being discussed with stakeholders,” Selu said. “This was an initiative the players took upon themselves, with the aim of providing a pathway for junior softball players in Papua New Guinea,” the coach said.
Selu said the Port Moresby Giants surprised the Australian-based teams by snaring the Seven Skins crown.
“Skins is money per innings — that is, innings where a team scores a run and defends it by stopping their opponent from scoring to win the money. If neither team scores, then the money jackpots,” he said.
The first home-run derby was won by Port Moresby Giants Collin Mangot (Yokomo) assisted by pitcher Anslam Bunbun (Bears).
Pom Giants walked away with K3280 Skins prizemoney, including the K600 home-run derby.