Keapara beat hosts Hula to claim Central’s cricket trophy

TEAM Keapara claimed Central’s Cricket Papua New Guinea (CPNG) Talent Identification trophy with a six-wicket victory over hosts Hula at the Raukele Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Hula wasted a steady start by brothers Noka and Malcolm Aporo with able support from Gordon Ai who contributed 57 runs in nine overs to be all out for a disappointing 101 with Noka’s early run-out.
Noka’s wicket triggered a collapse which the home team never recovered from as they lost wickets at regular intervals. An expected fightback from talented all-rounder Alipate Ali and Naime Aporo never really gained momentum as they both fell cheaply going for big hits in an attempt to push the score along. Young Malcolm Aporo tried in to regain control of Hula’s innings.
But when he fell, Hula’s innings just fell apart as they lost seven wickets for just 44 runs.
Malcom top-scored with 29 runs while Ai (17) and Noka (12) were the only others who contributed double figures.
Keapara, led by Billy Maha (16) and player of the match Ila Tino, withstood Hula’s pace attack of Dan Ligo and Jerry Kwari to record 51 runs in just five overs to give the champions the confidence to complete their undefeated streak in style.
Tino controlled the innings from the outset, playing some powerful drives and hook shots which found the boundary regularly.
Hula did not help their cause, dropping several easy catches which could have had some effect on the result.
Tino blasted his way to 66 not-out to safely see Keapara home.
Former Papua New Guinea Barramundis captain William Maha, who attended the tournament, thanked CPNG for bringing the game to the villagers.
Eight teams took part from the Hood Point area.
Maha said such tournaments should be held regularly.