Marlins with one hand on minor title in Lae softball

 ADMIRALTY Marlins have virtually claimed their seventh minor premiership title in Lae Softball despite three games remaining before the finals.

The Manusians are undefeated and have clear on the top of the competition ladder with the nearest rival 12 points short.

It was another double dose for the Manusians who clipped Brown Eagles 13-1 on Saturday and narrowly defeated Stomerz 1-0 on Sunday, to increase the gap in points between nearest rivals Island Salvage Manalos and Stormerz – both on 12 points apiece. 

The game against Stormerz was a highly charged one as earlier on Saturday, Stormerz steamrolled glamour team Manalos 7-2 and were on high to repeat the dose  against Marlins.

It was Paul Keleu’s bullet-like deliveries guided by catcher John Kiapen that defused Simon Matana and his highly fancied Stomerz line-up from getting any traction or momentum.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of third inning when former international Hatzel Omae smashed a Kuwo Maradi delivery for a three-base hit. 

He was brought home by Madang import Kolie Yadewilo through a David Kauke and his in-law Simon Matana’s error.

Results: Sat, Feb 22 – Stormers 7 Manalos 2, Jets 13 Karanas 3 on Saturday; Sun, Feb 23 – Marlins 1 Stormerz 0, Manalos 1 Karanas 0, Jets 13 Brown Eagles.

Standings:  Marlins 24, Manalos 12, Stormerz 12, Brown Eagles 8, Karanas 6, Jets 6, and the women ladder will see Stormerz on 16, Manalos 12, Jets 5, Marlins 5.