Pacific Games

Opener Riley Hekure was the star with his knock of 115 off 64 balls.

Hekure smashed 10 fours and 6 sixes for PNG to set the target at 176.

They went down to New Caledonia 3-1 at the BSP Arena today.

New Caledonia grabbed the first set in a close encounter 25-18.

PNG played hard but were over confident losing again in the second set 25-21.

Papua New Guinea finished first and second, ahead of the 2011 gold medallist from French Polynesia (Tahiti).

The Chimbu lass won her race in 11:26.51 seconds, while experienced distance runner from PNG, Poro Gahekave came second (11:31.66s) and Tahitian, Heiata Brinkfield clocked 12:01:09s finished third.

In 2011, PNG did not win any medals in this event.

Meanwhile in the field events yesterday, PNG made a clean sweep of medals in the women’s long jump event.

While there was opportunity for more goals for Vanuatu, Tongan goal keeper Mateaki Taufa was her side’s saving grace, keeping a vigilant watch at the goal mouth and holding Vanuatu to a 4 point win.

Both sides drew one all after the first period.

 And Bisamo ended Papua New Guinea’s dominance in the XV Pacific Games track and field events on a high note.

The final year Kabaleo Teachers College student completed the 21km race in 1:14:11 seconds.

And history will be made for the Vanuatu men’s team who play off for Gold for the first time in history of the Hockey Oceania Federation.

This is the first time hockey is played at the Pacific Games, the only international events the code was involved in are the Oceania games and Arafura games.

In the middle weight division (69-75ks) Baki’s performance had the crowd roaring, cheering her on.

Baki took on Tahiti’s tough boxer Edith Tavanae but her quick feet carried her home triumphantly.

The 25 year old had tears running down her cheeks as she stood on the podium basking in the presence of her fellow country men and women.

PNG will play the winner of tonight’s (7pm) quarterfinal match between Fiji and Samoa.

Fiji is the favorites to defend their gold medal in the Pacific Games Netball competition.

They have won Gold four times already: 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007.

Netball was not contested in the 2011 Games.

The home side was defeated by American Samoa 3-1 to settle for the bronze play off on Saturday.

PNG took a 1-0 lead after the 8th minute of play when Patrick Aisa powered a kick into the nets.

PNG held on to the lead going into half time.

Fiji came out stronger in the second half and dominated possession early on in the game.

This resulted in the equalizer in the 53rd minute through Tony Tuivuna.

The game looked to be going towards a draw with three minutes extra time given.