The Port Moresby Cricket Association has commenced its 2001/2002 season with a record number of teams competing in the competition's 5 divisions. The newly incorporated Port Moresby Cricket Board led by Chairman Brian Amini have been successful in marketing the game in the nation's capital marked by a blazing season opening exhibition game in which Association Patron and PNG Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta arrived at the game aboard a Defence Force Helicopter to bowl the opening ball of the season.

The association has seen the entrance of 4 new teams into its Second Grade competition this year including a team from the City's Indian community. The Association also involves Men's Under 19 and Under 16 competitions as well a fully fledged Women's competition.

Reigning First Grade premiers United go into the season largely intact and will be led by PNG International rounder Rarua Dikana and leading wicket-taker Mea Udu. Dikana's side also includes the promising Dai brothers who have just returned from the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide. The younger Mahuru Dai achieved fame at the recent Asia Pacific Junior World Cup qualifying tournament when he struck 50 off just 16 balls a feat recognised by the ICC as a world record.

Last season's runners-up Mobil STC have retained the core of their team centred around seasoned veterans Tau Ao and Aukamu Noka and supported by rising youngsters Gimapau Keimelo, PNG Junior captain Mahuta Kivung and Frank Joseph they look set to again be a force to be reckoned with this year.

Perennial favourites Hoods will again challenge for the title led by PNG skipper Navu Maha, brother Jimmy and veteran fast bowler Tuku Raka. While Raka has recently announced his retirement from representative cricket he remains the competition's premier fast bowler and will again figure in the wicket taking charts this season.

Leading batsman John Ovia will again captain Kempa who have been moderately successful in years gone past. Last season's leading rungetter Ovia has got the support of batsmen Numa Noka and Morrie Morea and bowlers Loa Ao and Mari David to get them through the year.

The return of former International Charles Amini to their ranks will give Shady Rest Hotel Coasters a good chance of success this season. All rounder Amini will be supported by International representative Daniel Faunt and rising Junior William Harry in the batting with his bowling attack spearheaded by youngsters Joseph Moses, Christopher Amini and leg spinner Killian Amini.

Last season's wooden spooners Mariners appear to have recruited well during the off season and boast arguably the competition's best pace attack. PNG left arm opening bowler Toka Gaudi will spearhead the attack supported by swing bowlers Sere Ao and Vani Igo. Their batting will by led by captain Uda Gaba.

Fellow under achievers Poreporena have a largely unknown lineup with only fast bowler Billy Boe showing promise last year. Their batting will centre around veteran Paul Joseph and youngster Jelico Heni and whilst they should be competitive will struggle to figure in the finals.

Raukele go into the season with arguably the competition's youngest side. Captain Chris Alu will lead their batting alongside Jamie Iga and hard hitting Aume Ila. Their bowling will include promising left armer Harry Gege and spinner Reggie Ginate.

The Board also plan a number of initiatives this year including the reintroduction of the PNG National Championships next year buoyed by a renewed relationship with the National Board under new Chairman and former PNG great William Maha.

© ICC