Cricket PNG

ANZAC Barbarians scored a measly 77 runs with the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. The PNG Lewas young bowling attacker Holland Doriga, dominated by taking four wickets for 13 runs. Henao Thomas took two wickets for 11 runs and Vicky Araá took one wicket for 14 runs.

The Lewas batters cruised to victory as they passed their required target of 77 runs in 9.3 overs. Naoani Vare (37) and Tanya Ruma (21) both continued their good form with the bat to give the Lewas another impressive match. The tournament progresses with semi-finals today.

This year marks the 14th year of BSP and CPNG partnership in hosting the program that involves elementary, primary and secondary schools in the country.

BSP Mamose Area Manager, Barry Namongo said sport is an important part of children and young people’s education, not only for their physical fitness, but to create a sense of belonging and wellbeing to a community.

The results proved to be positive, with the team claiming two massive victories and two close losses.
 
With the final two rounds off the ICC World Cup League 2 effectively practice matches for the Barramundis, some fantastic team and individual performances are building confidence and a winning mentality amongst the group. 

Chad Soper (5/25) and Reily Hekure (5/13) shone with the ball while Sese Bau (74) and Tony Ura also had good tournaments with the bat. 

The Lewas, as the national side are called, are known for their uniquely exciting playing style. 

Coach Kath Hemptenstall says the team, which includes seven mothers, has overcome significant hurdles simply to play.

"We've just got the one turf wicket in the whole country and a couple of turf nets," Hemptenstall says.

"It rains for four months of the year and we don't have any indoor facilities as well.

"When you take all that into consideration, it's pretty impressive that both our men's and women's sides have got to where they have."

The players were all eager to take the field again and represent PNG, with three players in Hollan Doriga, Melanie Ani and Kevau Frank all partaking in their first touring experience.

Although the goal of the tour was to make a long awaited return to tournament cricket and dust off a few cobwebs that had built up over the course of the past two years, the team’s performance was able to be matched against some strong opposition that featured players that have played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Konepoti POM Cricket Club President, Pona Agi said about 25 years ago, this sport was played in the village but then it went dormant.

He said the launch would revive the sport in the Kapari & Virolo villages with the aim to push them further.

“We decided to try and bring the game back here, revive the young kids get them motivated into playing cricket and hopefully we try and slowly push them down to town competition and our goal is having one or two boys represent barramundis would be very good for us. That’s basically our aim,” said Agi.

The Barras, who qualified for last year's T20 World Cup in the UAE, are currently taking part in this month's Top End T20 tournament where veteran batter Tony Ura last night whacked a 27-ball 50.

Former Perth Scorchers seamer and Lewas head coach, Kath Hempenstall, said there was certainly some untapped cricketing talent within PNG.

An agreement between OSF and Cricket PNG was signed on Monday, June 27 paving way for the program to be implemented in selected schools in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces.

This new agreement further supports Cricket PNG to use a previous investment by OSF in purchasing the equipment in 2020.

The pandemic prevented the implementation of the program in 2021 and both partners are very pleased to see this initiative come to fruition.

The launch today signifies the ongoing commitment by Boroko Motors Group of Companies to Cricket PNG and as major brand sponsor of the Tournament. 

Cricket PNG CEO Craig Campbell said, “This is the 3^rd year running that Boroko Motors has come onboard again to sponsor the major event.”

He said they are very grateful for the sponsorship partnership because the company has stuck with Cricket PNG for the last two years even in the midst of the pandemic.

Students from the primary schools of Igora, Resurrection, Hohorita, Popondetta and Popondetta Secondary School enjoyed the day representing Australia, Bangladesh, West Indies, England, India and New Zealand.

Music could be heard around the whole town as the girls took to the pitch in high spirits.

Those who did not make the finals took shelter from the hot sun and cheered on the New Zealand and England teams. 

In what is always a chilling moment for any New Zealand cricket fan, the final ended in a tie and went to another super over.