Consort Express Lines Liners have claimed the inaugural Steamships slow pitch title following a 5-nil victory over East West Truckies on Saturday.
The Lae chapter of the competition, held for the first time in the city, attracted 10 teams from the Steamships Group of Companies, who braved the heat at the Lae Secondary School ovals.
CEL Liners had topped pool B round of matches and brushed aside a determined Riback, who finished second in pool A in the semi-finals, to book a grand final appearance.
Pool A top place getter, Lae Port Services Sea Waves, could not stop East West Truckies in the other semi-finals.
The champions proved too strong in their fielding department, denying East West Truckies any chances of scoring with good pitching from season softballer Henry Keleu. Keleu was aided by top fielding from short stop Rynnah Posikei, who combined well with second base woman Eileen Kevin in putting out runners.
CEL Liners scored at their first turn at bat, with opening batter Valentine Uma, John Oa, Kevin, Posikei, Chris Aurufe and Posikei crossing the home plate.
Oa came in for his second run at their final turn at bat to seal a convincing victory to claim the managing director’s cup.
East West Truckies received the general manager’s cup.
LPS Sea Waves finished third while Riback fourth.
Individual awards went to Rynnah Posikei as top female player of the tournament, East West Truckies Jim Nol took out the male player of the tournament, LPS Sea Waves Bill Waninara top infielder, Ian David of CEL Mariners top batter and top outfield went to Nadu of Riback.
The one-day fun was officiated by tournament director and PNG Softball Federation representative, Dick Bart Jr, with the assistance of Lae Softball Association president Lindsay Pulu.
(Caption: Inaugural winner of the Steamship slow pitch in Lae, CEL Liners, with the managing director’s trophy.)
