Port Moresby cricket season starts with Twenty20 challenge

THE first deliveries thundered down the pitch in the 2010-11 Port Moresby cricket season over the weekend in a Twenty20 extravaganza.
Both the men’s premier grade and women’s cricket competitions got underway in what will prove to be the biggest and best season ever in Port Moresby.
Across the weekend eight teams in the men’s premier while another eight teams in the women’s cricket battled it out in front of big crowds at the Amini Park precinct.
The massive improvements to the facilities at the Home of Cricket has meant that it was possible to have two games on turf wickets and another two games on permanent synthetic wickets.
As players from across Port Moresby began to work out the kinks of a long off-season many close games and outstanding individual efforts were witnessed.
The weekend was the pool stage of a round robin Twenty20 competition aimed at creating greater interest and ability in this new and exciting version of cricket.
In the men’s competition, traditional powerhouses Poreporena and Coasters dominated the competition winning three games a piece and finishing on top of their respective pools.
Both clubs dominated the women’s competition to lead their respective pools.
There were some outstanding efforts by individuals.
Pendell Ipi, opening batsman for Taura and a member of the PNG Lewas hit an enterprising 67 in her side’s loss to KCC while Bonnie David hit 55 not out for Poreporena.
In the men’s competition, Mea Jimmy hit a quickfire 46 for Steamies and the ever-reliable Chris Amini hit 47 not out for Coasters against KCC.
Willie Gavera must be given special mention for his outstanding hattrick against Kempa.
The Twenty20 finals will be held this weekend.
In the men’s semi-finals Poreporena meet Kempa while Coasters face Raukele in the second match.
In the women’s semi-finals Poreporena clash with KCC and the Coasters take on United.