Barras Return from Top End T20
The Kumul Petroleum PNG Barramundis returned home this week after competing in their inaugural CDU Top End T20 hosted in Darwin by Northern Territory Cricket. The Cricket Australia co-sanctioned event included a Cricket Australia XI, Big Bash League (BBL) sides the Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades as well as the Northern Territory state team.
The Top End tournament provided the Barramundis with tough competitive cricket against many of Australia’s rising young talents as well as seasoned internationals like Darcy Short playing for the Northern Territory Side. The Barras were competitive throughout losing two very close matches to the Stars and the Northern Territory while outclassed by the Cricket Australia XI and unable to defend 152 against the Renegades in their last game.
The tournament provided our national players the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the coaching staff of the two BBL sides as well as other high profile Cricket Australia high performance staff. Barras Captain Assad Vala featured in the top ten for batting performance during the tournament with a highest Score of 60 against the Renegades. Tony Ura struck a quick fire fifty against the NT and Norman Vanua played an important role with some power hitting in the middle to lower order.
The bowling was led by Vice Captain CJ Amini with a very respectable tournament economy rate of 6.22 picking up valuable wickets in three games. Sema Kamea bowled some good spells with a standout performance against the renegades taking 3/22 and Vanua backed up his all-round game with the ball as well. Young wicket keeper, Hila Vare, was also commendable with his glovework in the absence of Kipling Doriga who is recovering from knee surgery.
Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, who was in Darwin to meet with Cricket Australia and Australian Government officials to secure the PacificAus Sports agreement was pleased with the overall effort. “ This is the highest level of competition and intensity the Barras get to play outside of World Cups, we have committed to three years with the Top End T20 for both the Barras and the Lewas. Although we did not get the results we wanted, the games were close, we had our chances, we would expect to improve year on year in this competition. By playing well in these events we will create opportunities both individually and as a team for further inclusion in Australian domestic competitions. The team certainly attracted attention which is great for longer term benefits.