PNG softballers keep positive

CANBERRA: In PNG, rugby league is king and other sports the poor cousins.
But that did not stop Papua New Guinea’s softballers from boldly declaring they could beat Australia before the start of the Oceania world championship qualifiers at Hawker yesterday.
The pre-match bluster was proven to be slightly misguided when the current world champions won comfortably 8-0 on Tuesday night.
Australia, PNG and Samoa are squaring off for two places at the 2013 world championships in New Zealand.
The hosts were considered certainties to win the tournament, leaving the visitors to fight for the final spot.
But asked yesterday about his team’s chances before playing the green and golds, PNG team manager Ralph Tarasomo had other ideas.
“We’re pretty determined to also beat Australia, very determined,’’ Tarasomo said.
“If you don’t give the players the challenge, it’s no use attending this championship.
“We know they (Australia) are ranked No1 (in the world), but we say as motivation (for our players) there’s nothing stopping you beating the number one.
“PNG are known for being quiet achievers and we’ve come with the underdog tag, but we’re here to get a place in the world titles and the boys are determined.”
Before the loss to Australia, PNG were beaten 8-1 by Samoa.
Samoa also lost Tuesday’s final game 12-4 to Australia but surprised the hosts by leading 4-0 in the first inning.
But even if PNG fails to qualify for the 2013 world titles, Taramoso said softball was fast making headway in his homeland.
“We know our diamonds aren’t up to international standard, but with the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby the government has injected funding and the game will soon change there,” he said.
“Softball has its place because it’s a family sport and that’s what we try and promote.” – The Canberra Times