Mariners crowned champs in Curtain Bros tournament

THE ODG Mariners were crowned champions of this year’s Curtain Brothers T20 Smash tournament after edging out the Trakpro Mudmen by five runs in the tournament grand-final at the Amini Cricket Park on Saturday.
The Mariners, led by PNG Barramundis captain Assad Vala set a score of 150/5 after 20 overs.
The man-of-the match performance by Vala saw the Mariners skipper make 61 from 41 balls and a 99-run partnership with Riley Hekure (35).
Mudmen skipper Norman Vanua and Kabua Morea did their part on the day with the bowlers bagging two wickets each.
The second innings saw the Mudmen fall short of their target after finishing with 145/9.
The Mudmen’s Vani Morea brought some fight back into their innings for the Mudmen making 31 off 22 balls before being caught by Simon Atai late in the match.
A dominant fielding effort from Mariners saw them affect four run outs keeping the Mudmen in check.
Vala commended the participation of players outside Port Moresby because it had added to the quality and value of the competition.
“Overall the standard of cricket was very good and competition itself has raised the bar from last year,” Vala said.
“The boys from outside lifted their standard as well to get selected for the Barramundis.”
Meanwhile, Barramundis coach Joe Dawes said there would be a number new faces to join the Barramundis squad for this month’s tour of Scotland.