United post a 87-run win over Hoods

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The National, Monday 19th December 2011

By LESLIE OMARO
UNITED ruined Trukai Hoods’ hopes of ending the first half of Port Moresby’s cricket season on a winning note with a 87-run victory yesterday.
Mahuru Dai made sure the run chase was tough, scoring  50 runs which provided the platform for the victory.
Hiri Gureki was Hoods’ best bowler picking up two wickets to slow down United’s run rate.
Hoods’ batting order could not withstand a strong United bowling attack getting out cheaply with only James Maha able to provide some resistance with a fine knock of 44 runs.
Navu Maha in a post-match interview expressed their disappointment of not being able to play well and get a win before the Christmas break.
Navu attributed the loss to their top batsmen who failed to perform when the team was in need of runs.
“I think United started well reaching their target after 37 overs and played well and were the better side.
“We started off well and were 0-76 at one stage but United’s persistent and perseverance won them the game.
“Our last nine batsmen scored just 30 runs while the openers contributed 76 runs.
“Our top batsmen failed to perform which contributed to our performance this afternoon (yesterday).
“But we have put that game behind and looking forward to the matches after the break.
“We are positive in the New Year.  We will be coming after the break to play our best cricket.
“I am sure the boys are not happy with the loss and will want to come back and get some wins,” said Maha.
On Saturday, PMMI Coasters had their own share of problems to worry about after losing to Poreporena by 47 runs in a Twenty20 match.
Both teams had agreed to play a Twenty20 match instead of the usual 50 overs after the turf wicket at Amini Park was still wet.
Coasters captain Chris Amini, who contributed 37 runs                in their loss, said the turf at 12.45pm was still wet.
“Because we started the game at 2.30pm we had to cut the overs and play a Twenty20 match instead.
“I do not regret playing that game and losing because it is the last game for the season before we go for the break so we just wanted to play and get it out of the way.
“We also did not have our full strength team. Some of the guys have gone for the Christmas break so I guess that had some influence on our loss,” Amini said.
Poreporena won the toss and opted to bat putting on 5-127 with Vagi Oala’s 60-plus runs.
“We dropped Oala three times one of them when he was on five runs in the third over and after that dropped him a couple more times,” he said.
In reply, Coasters were bundled out for 7-80 after 20 overs with the Coasters skipper as usual contributing valuable runs.
Port Moresby cricket goes into recess and will resume on Jan 7-8.