Heart’s Nou seals gutsy win

 The Heart won the inaugural men’s Gabba Champions Shield after thrashing the Avalanches in the final match at Amini Park by eight wickets on Sunday. 

Going into the final day, the Heart and Avalanches were tied on 19 points, with the final 50-over match to determine the inaugural Gabba Champions Shield Champions. 

After winning the toss, Heart elected to field on a hot day in Port Moresby. 

This decision seemed to pay immediate dividends with Papua New Guinea Barramundis opening bowler Loa Nou dismissing Doura Gavera for one. 

Nou also took the vital wickets of Jack Vare (20) and Sakavai Gebai (1), while Kabua Vagi dismissed danger man, Arina Lahari (5) to leave the Avalanches in a lot of trouble at 43/4. 

Coming off a century the day before, Charles Amini Jr (29) and Lou Toua (13) tried to resurrect the innings, putting on a 30 run partnership before Sese Bau was brought into the attack.  

Within a blink of an eye, Bau removed Amini, Greg Baeau (0) and Norman Vanua (0) in three consecutive deliveries to claim the first hat-trick of the tournament and putting the BSP-sponsored Heart in the driver’s seat at 73/7.