Raukele stun United to regain top spot

In what has been dubbed the match of the season so far in the Port Moresby Cricket Association, Raukele defeated United team at Amini Park last weekend to secure the no.1 spot on the ladder.

Raukele, having won the toss, elected to bat first. Their innings began on a shaky note, losing Siniva Siniva for just 1 run and then Emmanuel Karo with the score at 33.

However, a solid comeback was staged by Tony Ura and Kipling Doriga.
The pair built a crucial 68-run partnership before Tony Ura was dismissed by the in-form United captain and bowler, Lega Siaka, for a commendable 57 runs off 50 balls, featuring 7 fours and 2 sixes.

Kipling Doriga added 22 runs to the tally, supported by Ryan Ani’s quick 22 off 14 balls, which included 2 fours and a six.

Jason Kila also contributed a valuable 35 runs. Raukele’s innings concluded at 212 runs all out in 33.2 overs.

Siaka was the standout bowler for United, taking 5 wickets for 42 runs off 8 overs, including a maiden, and claimed the key wickets of Ura, Doriga, Lui Aiga, Ani, and Vali Kali Naime Jr.

United’s chase started promisingly with Keith Griffin and Gaudi Toka keeping up with the required run rate of 8 runs per over, reaching 53 runs in the first 6 overs.

Toka, the leading run-scorer of the competition, looked settled until Christopher Kilapat struck with his first delivery, dismissing Toka for 18 runs.

Lessie Naime then made an impact, taking two crucial wickets in his 4th and 5th overs, sending Chris Kamea back for 5 runs and Griffin for 27. United found themselves at 3 for 65 after 9 overs.

Siniva’s sharp fielding resulted in Griffin being run out for 2, and Naime continued his excellent bowling by dismissing Hila Vare for 7 runs, restricting United to 5 for 77.

Vani Eno and Siaka fought back with a 100-run partnership before he was trapped leg-before for 35 runs.
Siaka, battling numbness in his arms, was eventually caught behind by Ura off Doriga for 60 runs off 61 balls, which included 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The remaining United wickets fell swiftly, with the team being bowled out for 189 runs in 33.1 overs. Raukele’s bowlers were impressive, with Naime finishing with figures of 3 for 43 off 8 overs, Siniva taking 3 wickets for 27 runs off 7 overs, and Doriga claiming 2 wickets for 28 runs.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Raukele, who came off a bye last weekend, showcasing their resilience and determination to climb up the ladder.

The team celebrated a gutsy and well-deserved win in what was undoubtedly the best game of the tournament so far.