Hearts, Hammers all out to impress
The National, Friday 14th June 2013
TOP two teams, BSP Hearts and Hebou Hammers, will be looking to bounce back to form after suffering losses over the weekend.
There’s a lot at stake with the winner to take out the minor premiership. BSP Hearts’ Tony Ura belted an amazing 139 but unfortunately lacked support from the rest of his team mates with only skipper Jason Kila contributing handy runs.
Kila has also been in red hot form with the bat and ball and would look to continue that this weekend. Ura and Kila would have their work cut out against a star studded bowling attack that includes Wilile Gavera, Joel Tom, Raymond Haoda Jnr and Mahuru Dai.
Hebou batsman failed miserably against Pacific MMI last week and would be looking to improve on the batting.
Vani Vagi, Mahuru Dai and skipper Jack Vare will have to lead from the front again if they are to post a competitive total that they can defend.
In the other matches Pacific MMI Marlins will be looking to consolidate a top four position against a depleted Air Niugini Jets side lacking confidence.
Run machine Assad Vala has been unstoppable all season and has been getting great support from his opening partner, Alfred Amini, who they had shared 50 run partnerships in the last two matches. Marlins look to be hitting their stride at the right time and would be banking on their experienced leaders in Chris Amini, Vala and Maru Hobart to lead the way again.
The youngsters in Kali Ila, Pegi Pegi and Colin Amini had also stepped up at the right time. Air Niugini Jets will need to be at their best if they are to shrug off a fast improving Marlins side. Greg Baeau has fought hard but needs more support from the rest of his men.
Digara and Brian Bell would be a nail-biter with the winner ensured to take a spot for the finals. Both teams head into the weekend with confidence after impressive wins over the weekend.
Digara’s Sese Bau would look to continue from where he left off whilst Brian Bell’s Andrew Hick’s would be hoping to reach three figures. This would be an interesting weekend.