In-form Bau brings Cassowaries back from brink to secure shield

The Cassowaries claimed the Hebou Shield after a comfortable 44-run victory over the Black Bass in the final at the Amini Park in Port Moresby yesterday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Cassowaries got off to a steady start with Tony Ura (26) and Anthony Vare (22) racing to 34 in the fourth over, before Vare was caught behind off the bowling of Toua Nou.
This saw the start of a middle order collapse, which saw the Cassowaries slump to 4/54 and in danger of being bowled out for less than 100.
In-form batsman Sese Bau then rescued the innings with a brilliant 53 runs off 41 balls to swing the match around. A late order cameo from Raho Sam (22 off 14 balls) then guided the Cassowaries to an impressive 9/152 off their allotted 20 overs.
Mahuru Dai (3/35) was the pick of the Cassowaries bowlers, taking three (3) wickets, while Charles Amini Jr (2/14) picked up a couple of wickets.
In reply, the Black Bass got off to a horrific start, slumping to an incredible 6/23 in the sixth over.
Unfortunately for the Black Bass, they were unable to recover despite a handy 32 runs from Lae’s Nigani Heni and were eventually bowled out for a disappointing 108 in 19.2 overs.
The wickets were shared among the Cassowaries bowlers, with Anthony Vare (2/14), Nosiana Pokana (2/15), Chad Soper (2/15) and Eisa Eka (2/18) all picking up two wickets a piece.
Bau was awarded the player of the ,atch for his brilliant match-winning knock.
Cassowaries 9/152 (20) Sese Bau 53 (41), Tony Ura 26 (15), Anthony Vare 22 (18), Raho Sam 22 (14), Mahuru Dai 3/35 (4), Charles Amini Jnr 2/14 (4), Sema Kamea 1/33 (4), Damien Ravu 1/14 (3), Toua Nou 1/20 (2) defeated Black Bass 10/108 (19.2) Nigani Heni 32 (34), Boniface Tangara 14 (18), Anthony Vare 2/14 (4), Nosiana Pokana 2/15 (4), Chad Soper 2/15 (3.2), Eisa Eka 2/18 (3) by 44 runs