Konenrigo beat Poerupu to win Hula cricket crown

By PATRICIA KEAMO
KONENRIGO (6/116) claimed the Hula Lighthouse Cricket Association title with a five-run win over Poerupu (9/111) in the women’s grand final at Raukele Oval, Hula, Central, on Friday.
Led by skipper Joyce Kila, Konerigo won five of their round games and lost two before qualifying for the grand final, which was their second in six years of the competition.
“This is our second grand final and as the captain,” Kila said.
“I was under a lot of pressure to win the game and am so proud of my team for making this possible.
“Our strength is in bowling and batting, especially among our youngsters who are very talented.
“Priscilla Alu, our best bowler, stood out in the game as well as batsman Esther Iru.
“I am proud of my teammates for their efforts in winning this game.”
Meanwhile, Poerupu senior player Uli Ila said it was a challenging game, but they were happy with their efforts despite the loss.
“There were ups and downs all season, but we managed to reach the grand final,” she said.
“It was a challenging game, we were neck-and-neck with our opponent but the better team won.”
Ila said she was impressed with their younger players, who had given their best all season.
“With inspiration from senior players, they improved a lot in their game,” she said.
“I am confident that some of the players have the chance to make the national squads.
“We try to guide them to be good players because sometimes they can be a little over-excited and lose focus on the game.”
Meanwhile, WR Carpenter Group of Companies, under its Globe and Nambawan Tea subsidiaries, donated food hampers and goods to the association to be presented to the grand finalists.
Boroko Motors principal dealer Boe Daera presented the goods to the grand finalists.