PNG women star in victory down under

THE Pacific MMI women’s scholarship holders capped off on a high after completing their season with the Gold Coast Dolphins with a victory in the grand final of the Brisbane women’s second grade competition.
Norma Ovasuru was the star of the day for the Dolphins (142-3) as they claimed their maiden women’s title in a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Souths (141).
Ovasuru top scored with 67, with fellow Pacific MMI Lewa’s teammate Tanya Ruma chipping in with 17 as both remained unbeaten at the end of the innings.
Souths batted first and were bowled out for 141 in the 31st over (35 over match) on an overcast day at the magnificent Allan Border Oval, Brisbane.
Pauke Siaka, who came on first change, claimed 18-2 while left-arm wrist spinner Kaia Arua picked up 26-2 as they restricted Souths to a total below 150.
In reply, the Dolphins ladies made light work of the chase, passing the Souths total in the 25th over with the loss of only three wickets. 
Ovasuru’s blistering half-century was the backbone of the chase as she led the way to hand the Dolphins a maiden title victory.
It was an amazing end to the season as the Dolphins went through the season undefeated.
Gulf lass Ovasuru was the leading run scorer for the grade with 311 (a century and two half-centuries) runs with an average of 77.75.
Her highest score was a commanding 126 not out against Wests last month.
Ruma (158 runs 26.33), Siaka (130 at 26.00) and Kaia Arua (93 runs) were in the top 20 run getters in the grade.
Siaka was the leading wicket taker for the grade claiming 15 wickets for the season with an average of 6.20 and had 10-4 as her best bowling figures.
Ovasuru (11 wickets at 5.91), Ruma (11 wickets at 11.55) and Kaia Arua (7 wickets at 20.14) featured in the top 20 wicket takers for the season.
The women head home in the next couple of days.