Rivalry to set softball championships alight

This weekend’s Papua New Guinea National Softball Championships are set to ignite the rivalry between former title holders Lae Reds, Madang Kings and reigning champions Port Moresby Melonas.
PNG Softball Federation president Ralph Tarasomo said 21 teams — 14 men’s and seven women’s sides — were confirmed to take part in the 43rd edition of the championship in Lae, Morobe.
He said Port Moresby would send two men’s teams and a women’s side.
Madang is expected to send two men’s teams and a women’s side too while East New Britain, Rabaul, Kokopo, Sikut, Kimbe and Wewak are expected to send a team each for the men’s and women’s division.
Softball-mad East New Britain will be looking to force their way into championship contention.
Tarasomo said there would be a men’s selection for the World Series Challenge in England while the women would be picked for the Open State Championship in Brisbane.
In the women’s competition, Tarasomo said defending champions Port Moresby Gold would face a stiffer challenge compared with previous years.
The federation is encouraging the softball fraternity in Lae to assist teams from outside centres with accommodation.
Tarasomo said the federation was working with the Lae Softball Association to prepare the Scrum and Eriku ovals for the event.
Centres would be given the chance over the weekend to present their proposals to host the next championship.