Lewas miss out on semis

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea women’s cricket team missed out on a spot in the Australian Cricket Country Championship semifinals after their final round match against South Australia was abandoned yesterday due to bad weather.
However, the Kath Hempenstall-coached PNG Lewas will take on Australian Capital Territory today in the fifth place playoff.
Hempenstall said their 5-wicket win over Western Australia on Tuesday was their best performance in the tournament with Pauke Siaka scoring 70 runs off 44 balls which included 13 fours.
“We had a great win against Western Australia where we ended up scoring 163 with our batting innings was set up by Pauke Siaka who made 70 off 44 which was really special innings from her,” Hempenstall told The National last night.
“We also had contributions from young Melanie Ani (who made her debut with the Lewas) so it was good to see a young player contribute with the bat as well.
“With the ball we were really impressive, we started really well taking out in the power play, which is probably a record for us and certainly our best bowling performance for the tournament.
“Sibona Jimmy who was our captain for the day led the bowling. She took 3/5, Vicky Ara’a 3/10, Isabella 2/10 and Ravini Oa 2/9.”
Hempenstall said it was a complete team performance and it was good to see the team put together a game.
“Unfortunately we were washed out (yesterday) against South Australia, which was disappointing. We needed the win to push to play in the semifinals so unfortunately, because of that result we cannot make the finals,” she said.
“But we still have a game against ACT who we played previously in the tournament which would be the playoff for the fifth position.”
Meanwhile, Hempenstall added that the Lewas would gear up for the Pacific Nations tournament in March against Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and a team from the Australian Defence Force.
“Sibona Jimmy and Hollan Doriga travel to Perth to finish off the season with South Perth Cricket Club,” said Hempenstall.
“Naoani Vare and Tanya Ruma will also travel to Brisbane to play for Western Suburbs District Cricket Club. Tanya Ruma and Kaia Arua have also been selected in the FairBreak XI to play against the ACT Meteors in Canberra in late January.”