Manalos gut Marlins in Lae softball

 COMPETITION leaders Admiralty Marlins suffered their first loss of the season when they fell to a rejuvenated Manalos outfit in the Lae men’s softball competition on Saturday. 

Watched by a sizeable crowd at the Scout Hall Oval, Manalos turned on the power to beat Marlins 6-3 and then went on to ground Jets 12-0 the next day.

Under the watchful eyes of master coach Paul Pasen, Manalos led from the first inning through Mark Ilam and Michael Kalas for a 2-0 advantage.

Manalos pitcher Steven Bunbun and catcher Alfred Kinakava were in control of proceedings holding Marlins’ batters scoreless for the next two innings while the Manus side added  a  run through Darius Kero to take a handy 3-0 lead. 

Marlins struck at the bottom of third inning through Graham Keleu for a 3-1 score line.  

At the top of fourth inning Manalos surged further ahead through Morris Ilamia, Bunbun and Kero for a more comfortable 6-1 margin and what proved to be a lead to big to reel in. 

A late comeback by Keleu and Malcom Koilamas was not good enough to close the gap as they succumbed to Manalos.  

Marlins found some consolation when they beat Karanas 6-4 on Sunday. 

In the other games on Saturday Stormerz beat Jetz 5-2, Brown Eagles held off Karanas 3-2 then on Sunday Manolos steam rolled Jets 12-0, Malrins beat Karanas 6-4 and Stormerz beat their Matis brothers, Brown Eagles 9-1.

Meanwhile, the progressive points ladder and top four finals standings in the men’s A grade has minor premiers Admiralty Marlins on 26 points, Manolos 16, Stormerz 16, Brown Eagles 10, Jets 6, Karanas 6. 

The women’s minor premiers are Stormerz on 20 points and followed by Manolos 16, Jets 7 and Marlins 5.  

In the men’s B grade, Manalos won the minor premiership with 17 points, followed by Jets 14, Marlins 13 and Brown Eagles 2.

In related news, there is a reminder to all affiliated clubs that there will be a delegates meeting today at St Mary’s Primary School starting at 6pm.

The agenda for the meeting will deal with preparations for the finals this weekend.