Assad Vala

“We showed a lot of character and we fought right to the end. We were around 30-50 runs short with the bat today but credit to the boys, never giving up and self-belief to keep fighting and we eventually got the result,” said Vala.

 Vala admitted the team’s batting has been the downfall in the last two matches and this will need to improve.

Luke Robins from the Northern Territory Strike won the Most Outstanding Player of the Year Award on 18 votes, just ahead of Vala, who polled 13 votes.

Harry Nielsen (Mavericks), Daniel Drew (Western Grit) and Gavera were tied for third on 11 votes each.

Vala was the second leading run scorer in the 2016 SACA Premier League, scoring 335 runs, averaging 55.83 runs.

He scored two half centuries and an unbeaten 113.

Ben Wakim from the Northern Territory Strike was the leading run scorer, making 354 runs at an average of 70.80.

Captain of the Barras, Assad Vala said it was a hard fought victory for his side.

“It was a very hard day on the first day for us, and it was great that we managed to score 311 to give something for our bowlers to bowl at.

 “It was an unbelievable effort by our bowlers to bowl out a quality batting line up in Namibia for only 146 runs. Norman Vanua led from the front and bowled very well and Lega Siaka was more than handy with his leg spinners.

Vala will lead the 14-man Barramundis squad against Namibia for the first time in an ICC Sanctioned series after Jack Vare was unavailable due to a serious knee injury.

The Barras will play Namibia in a four-day Intercontinental Cup (ICUP) encounter and then onto the World Cricket League Championships (WCLC) matches.

“It's a proud moment for me being appointed to lead the boys in the series against Namibia. It's an honour and privilege to be appointed as the captain but I have to do the best job I can,” said Vala.

Vanua took a career best 5/59 with the ball to help restrict Ireland to 289, while Vala made a brilliant unbeaten century to steer the Barramundis to 7/166 at stumps on Day 2.

Starting the day at 5/232, Ireland managed to only score a further 57 runs before being bowled out for 289 before lunch.

Barramundis’ opening bowler Vanua was the chief destroyer taking a career best 5/59 while John Boge Reva (2/25) picked up a couple of wickets.