Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts advance to World Cup Qualifiers
Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts won the toss and decided to bat on a lovely day at Blenheim. The Garamuts had a solid start, with Harry Christopher Gavera (25) and Vagi Guba putting on an impressive 52 run opening partnership before Gavera was clean bowled by Zidane Bong. Gavera’s wicket started a mini collapse, with the DIGICEL PNG U19 Garamuts losing regular wickets, slumping to 4/101 in the 32nd over. Then the Garamuts steadied their innings and managed to post a defendable 8/195 off their allotted 50 overs thanks to some big hitting from number 10 batsmen, Lohia Guba who hit a whirlwind 21 off just 10 balls. Guba’s lower order hitting was only surpassed by the mature innings from opening batsmen, Vagi Guba who became the only batsmen in the tournament to carry his bat, scoring an unbeaten 79 off 133 balls. Allen Bong was the pick of the Vanuatu bowlers taking 2/28 .
Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts’ Coach, John Ovia was impressed by the way the batsmen stood up after the first round loss to Fiji.
“We were very happy with our batting over the past couple of days. The openers (Gavera and Guba) got us off to the perfect start and it was good to see that we could recover after the hiccups in the middle of the order. Vagi played a magnificent innings today to win us the match,” said Ovia.
In reply the Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts had the perfect start with the ball, with opening bowler William Aiga dismissing the Vanuatu opening batsmen for ducks. Aiga continued his onslaught, taking Vanuatu’s third wicket, to leave them in trouble at 3/10 in the 3rd over. Vanuatu then looked to take the game away from the Garamuts, with Clement Tommy (40) and Maxim Stephen (51) putting on an 81 run, fourth wicket partnership. When Arua Gau broke the partnership, bowling Tommy, this started another collapse for Vanuatu, Fortunately for the Garmuts, wickets were taken on regular intervals, eventually dismissing Vanuatu for 123 inside 30 overs. Daure William Aiga was the star with the ball taking 4/30, while Lohia Guba ( 3/32) and Arua Gau (2/20) picked up impressive bowling figures as well.
“Although the boys came here to win the trophy we had encountered situations that did not guarantee us to reclaim the trophy. However we have now learnt from our mistakes and will give our best shot in the qualifiers later this year,” Ovia said.
Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts’ Captain, Lou Vagi Toua was delighted after advancing to the ICC U19 World Cup Qualifiers.
“The boys and coach are really happy,” said Toua.
“We batted and bowled well today and finally five months hard work has paid off. We still have a lot to improve before the next tournament but today we are happy,” concluded Toua.
Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts return back to Port Moresby today, Tuesday 3rd March 2015. The ICC Under 19 World Cup Qualifiers will be held later in the year with the venue yet to be announced.
DIGICEL PNG Under 19 Garamuts Squad
Lou Toua (Captain), Ovia Boge (Vice Captain), William Aiga (Vice Captain), Helai Guba, Jack Dairi, Harry Gavera, Vagi John, Lohia Guba, Vagi Guba, Arua Gau, Gau Arua Simoi, Eno Leo, Nou Ako and Sere Daure.
Non-Travelling Reserves: Nao Asi, Udu Nou, Vagi Kora and Frank Tutara
Match Summary
Digicel PNG U19 Garamuts 195/8 Vagi Guba 79 (133), Harry Christopher 25 (47), Vagi Guba 18 (39), Lohia Guba 21 (10), Allen Bong (2/28) defeated Vanuatu U19 10/126 (29.5) Maxim Stephen 51 (68), Clement Tommy 40 (61) , Daure William Aiga 4/30, Lohia Guba 3/32 , Arua Gau 2/20 by 69 runs
Man of the Match: Vagi Guba (PNG)
Final Tournament Rankings
1st – Fiji (Qualify directly for ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup)
2nd – PNG (Qualify for ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier)
3rd – Vanuatu
4th – Samoa
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