Isuzu Black triumph

Sports

By ROBINSON LEKA
A SIXTY-RUN total from Lega Siaka saw Isuzu Black take out the Isuzu National Cup after defeating Isuzu Red by 37 runs in the final at Amini Park in Port Moresby yesterday.
Siaka earned the man of the match award while his teammate and Barramundis skipper Assad Vala took out the tournament’s best player award.
Black opened the final’s innings with Gaudi Toka (15 runs) and Ainui Ere (45) before being caught out by Hiri Hiri and Alei Nao.
Siaka stepped up to deliver the match’s only half-century before taken out by newcomer Daure Lohia Jr with Black all out for 198 runs in 36 overs.
The chase from Red saw Dodogo Bau (30) and Alei Nao (22) post their highest runs with Black’s bowling game proving too strong for them.
Black’s Eddie Alewa and Gaudi Toka grabbed three wickets each while Siaka took two to see them end the chase with Red all out for 161 runs in the 38th over.
Tournament director Rodney Maha told The National that the leadership of Vala and Siaka had seen some big moments in the tournament.
“Black deserve this title, they’ve been consistent all tournament and lost only two matches,” he said.
“I think the leadership of Vala and Siaka really helped the younger players.
“There’s room for improvement in the 50-over format, but it’s important that we have all the players return to action again.”