Ura, Lahari impress as Raukele clinch title

A BLISTERING 124-run first-wicket stand by openers Tony Ura (55 not out) and Arina Lahari (71) saw Raukele (141/1) claim a nine-wicket win over Poreporena (139) in the Port Moresby Cricket men’s T20 final at Amini Park yesterday.
All-rounder Lahari out-shone his big-hitting teammate Ura, belting six 6s and five 4s in a 49-ball stay at the crease as his side chased down the 140 target.
Lahari also starred in the field taking two catches and affecting a run out of Poreporena opener Vani Vagi Morea.
All-rounder Riley Hekure coming in at No.4 top-scored for Poreporena with 42 while Barras wicketkeeper Dogodo Bau had the next best score 21 off 14 balls.
Raukele’s attack was led by Raymond Haoda Jr, who turned back the clock with a great spell of pace bowling claiming 3-31, while left arm spinner Jason Kila (2-26) and Raho Sam (2-34) picked up two wickets each and Gaudi Toka (1-8) chipped in with the wicket of Bau.
Poreporena captain Jack Vare said his side were disappointed with they could not take more wickets but accepted the loss.
“We always like to think positive and losing wasn’t an option when we came into the field but we fielded poorly and that’s what beat us in the end,” Vare said.
“I think we dropped four or five catches which allowed them to score runs and put pressure on us.
“It’s been a roller coaster season for us, we started of slow and finished strong but unfortunately the competition ended like this for us.
Vare said the final was batsman Kapena Arua’s last game in the top grade as the former PNG representative was retiring this season.
Raukele were led by Kiplin Doriga who commended Poreporena for putting on a competitive total.
“They beat us two times over the season and we were looking forward to taking revenge and I am glad we did,” Doriga said.
“I think we did well in all areas, the batting click, our bowlers were outstanding and fielding was good too.
Doriga also thanked his team’s sponsor Pure Water for backing them over the last three seasons.
He thanked the families and people from their village for their support.
Raukele won the title in 2015 and 2016 but lost last year’s final.