New-look Raukele dominating POM cricket

Sports

RAUKELE are off to a solid start in the Port Moresby Cricket Association men’s 50-over competition, according to an official.
The new-look Raukele side have so far dominated the competition since game one.
Club president Dean Ani said the team had a great hit-out against a full-strength United side last Sunday.
“Our players have been consistent since game one, winning matches,” he said.
“This has brought great confidence to the team.”
Ani said the team had shown maturity so far this season
“The boys have adapted well without them (Papua New Guinea Barramundis trio Tony Ura, Jason Kila and Kipling Doriga),” he said.
“It shows the confidence and trust the players have in each other.”
Raukele’s pace bowlers, led by young Warren Hobart, Christopher Kila-Pat and William Daure Aiga, have partnered well with skipper Junius Ani.
“Warren came out bowling a good line and length last week, hence troubling United’s top order,” Ani said.
“We hope he maintains that consistency going into the next match.
“Christopher has being carrying a slight niggling back injury, so we’re not putting him under too much stress.
“Teen Travis Vuivagi has worked hard on his spin bowling.
“Hopefully, he maintains his good form.
“Valikali Naime and veteran all-rounder Arina Lahari will also be able to slow down the run rate with their spin bowling.”
Whilst fielding had not been an issue, Ani said their batsmen needed to spend more time on the crease and build good partnerships to record bigger scores.
Meanwhile, Raukele will need to maintain their strong bowling form when they meet Hoods at Amini Park this weekend.
Competition in the Port Moresby Cricket Association for the past two years has been affected due to ongoing restrictions under the Coronavirus with majority of clubs reverting to village competitions.
Majority of players in both the men’s and women’s national team were scouted from the association’s pathways programmes.