Cricket Makes Big Inroads in New Ireland

The PNG Dulux Provincial Championships concluded on a huge note in Kavieng, New Ireland province, providing the public with two weekends of outstanding cricket.

Play started from the 30th with the grand final played on the 6th of August.

The two weekend tournament adopted the Super 8's format featured four teams in both Men's and Women's who went head to head.

New Irelander's made up the majority of all teams but also featured players from Manus, Oro, Sepik and Milne Bay, who now reside in New Ireland

In the men's division, the grand final was played between Legions and Blazers. Legions elected to bat first after winning the toss. Young skipper, Marcus Wiau who recently participated in the Monior Shield (Cricket PNG's National Championship) in Port Moresby scored 20 runs and gave his team a hope in a grand final shoot out.

Legions finished with a total of 59 in their allotted 8 overs. Blazers chased hard but could only managed 49 runs with Adrian Marka top scoring with 18 runs.

It all came down to the wire in the women's finals. A strong batting performance from the Chiefs saw them put up 37 runs with their 8 overs, led by a hard hitting 17 yr old Checheng scoring 19 runs for her side but, Legions were strong enough to chase down the total and win by 1 run with just 4 balls to spare.

"It was great to see people from New Ireland coming out to have a go with cricket, especially ones in Kavieng," said Edward Kibikibi the Regional Cricket Manager for New Ireland province. "Families and friends gathered together to support their teams and create a wonderful fun environment. Thanks to Dulux for allowing this tournament to happen," said Edward.