Wanderers beat Pari to claim K10,000

Curries Indians batsman and former Barramundi Vani Vagi Morea in action against Pari Knight Riders in the Village Premier League final at Amini Park in Port Moresby on Sunday. – Nationalpics by KENNEDY BANI

CAPTAIN Kanchana Liyanage says he is amazed by the passion shown by his Wanderers Curries Indians during Cricket Papua New Guinea’s Village Premier League in Port Moresby over the weekend.
Curries Indians were crowned champions of the two-day Amini Park tournament which saw them claim K10,000 after they beat Pari Knight Riders by 10 wickets.
Liyanage told The National after Sunday’s final that strong team bonding had contributed to their win.
“Our team are made up of experienced and young players,” he said.
“We’re a strong side.

**Barramundis and Riders captain Assad Vala in action at Amini Park on Sunday.**

“We have a mixture of international and local players, and you can see the spirit of cricket in the team.
“We are like brothers and we play for each other.
“I think that sprit brought us this far to win the tournament.”
Liyanage said the league was a great initiative by the sport’s national governing body.
“This tournament really brings out the true spirit of cricket,” he said.
“It’s great to see youngsters, and current and former Barramundis players coming together and playing for their respective teams.”

**Riders batsman Allen Joseph on strike.**

Federation general manager Tony Naidu also shared the same sentiments.
“This is first of its kind for Cricket PNG to host such a tournament,” he said.
“It’s good to see teams play for each other with so much passion.
“We will definitely make this an annual tournament.”
Curries Indians opening batsmen Vani Vagi Morea and Sese Bau dominated the final as they successfully chased down Pari’s score of 87. The tournament was played in a 10-over format.
Morea was named as the top scorer of the tournament while Riders’ Damien Ravu won the top wicket-taker award.