PNG remain undefeated in Webb Shield

The PNG Titans (Brian Bell Scholarships Players) completed their third win on the trot with a comprehensive 136-run win over Tweed Heads to stay atop of the Webb Shield competition in Queensland.

PNG were asked to bat on a picturesque ground in the Bilambil valley, Tweed Heads and wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match.

Openers Assad Vala and Tony Ura continued their explosive partnership with several wonderful shots on a greenish pitch that offered a lot of assistance for the bowlers.

After the departure of Ura (22), Chris Kent continued to keep the run rate ticking with Vala through to the first drinks break. Vala (39) and Kent (30) then departed shortly after the break but the Tweed Heads bowlers were still unable to slow down the run rate with the introduction of Lega Siaka and Sese Bau.

Together they built a solid partnership and were looking to push on further before a brilliant one-handed catch saw Siaka depart for a well-made 28. Bau then continued with Jack Vare and pushed the score up over 200.

Bau finished with 39 and Vare 30 not out as PNG was dismissed for 251 at the end of the 48th over.

Needing to score at 5 runs an over, the Tweed Heads batsman were unable to make any inroads in the run chase as they were dismissed for 115 in the 41st over.

New ball pairing Norman Vanua (2/15) and Toua Tom (2/37) were impressive in the first couple of overs as they made use of the new ball to pick up a couple of wickets. The spinners were then introduced and steam rolled the remaining batsmen to pick up two bonus points and stay atop of the Webb Shield ladder.

Chris Kent was once again impressive picking up 3/16 with Jason Kila chipping in with 2/11 and also taking three catches and a run out to cap off an outstanding day in the field.

PNG Titans will play defending champions Gold Coast in their next match on Sunday 9th December at Salk Oval, Palm Beach.