The Port Moresby Cricket Competition has begun in earnest with all grades having completed Round 6.

In the Men's First Grade, Shady Rest Hotel Coasters have begun the season in scintillating form having lost only once as they head the first Grade table. Their top order has been clicking with youngsters Chris Amini averaging 107.50 and William Harry leading the way.Both juniors have been recently selected in the PNG Junior Side to contest the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand early next year.

Last season's finalists Mobil STC currently sit in second position overall following a 4/2 start to the season. Mobil's youthful side has shown tremendous form with notable performances already from national junior captain Mahuta Kivung and fellow juniors Gimapau Keimelo and Ross Vagi.

Kempa trail in third place and have shown that they will be a force. Captain John Ovia, hard hitting Numa Noka and paceman Loa Sinoi have been the standouts. Fourth position is filled by Hoods who have had an up and down year.

Top order batsman Richard Leka the only centurion of the season thus far and Jimmy Maha have combined with veteran fast bowler Tuku Raka to keep Hoods in the top 4. Premiers United are in 5th followed by Mariners, Raukele and Poreporena. The individual statistics are as follows:

Batting Aggregates
Name		Team      Runs   Average Highest Score
Richard Leka    Hoods      240    48.00      115
Chris Amini     Coasters   215    107.5      63*
Robert Piki     Raukele    195    65.00      60*
Numa Noka       Kempa      181    36.20      57
Mahuta Kivung   STC        181    45.25      99*

Bowling
Name            Team     Wickets  Best Bowling
Kohu Dai        United	   16        5/41
Sere Ao         Mariners   16        4/29
Mea Udu         United     14        5/18
Noel Kariko     STC        14        3/14
Toka Gaudi      Mariners   14        5/50

In other grades Raukele lead Second Grade, Kila Kila head Under 19, STC the Under 16s and Poreporena lead the Women's Competition.

In national cricket news PNG Cricket Board Chairman William Maha has announced the junior team for the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand next January.

The squad of 20 players comprising 17 from the Port Moresby Competition will be trimmed to 14 before the team travels for the tournament which begins on January 14th. PNG has been pooled with England, Pakistan and Nepal and will be making their second appearance after first competing in South Africa four years ago. The side will be led by Mahuta Kiving and Kohu Dai and will be coached by former PNG great Vavine Pala.

© ICC