Junior schools cricket tournament heading to grand finals in Popondetta
The inaugural Junior Schools Cricket Program under the Popondetta Cricket Association is set to reach its climax with the grand finals scheduled for August 15, following weeks of competitive softball cricket.
Organized by Cricket PNG, the tournament features Under-15 and Under-17 divisions playing in the "Liklik Smash" softball cricket format.
The initiative aims to transform youth cricket participation in Oro Province by transitioning students from casual in-school coaching sessions to structured weekend club competitions.
Trevor Bavaro, Regional cricket development coordinator for Cricket PNG in Popondetta, noted that while the tournament was originally planned as an eight-week program, organizers adapted the schedule into a condensed round-robin format due to El Niño weather conditions affecting school grounds.
"We started on July 18, and we are now into our semifinals," Bavaro said. "Next week, on August 15, we will host our grand finals."
Students from participating urban cluster schools, including Bethel Primary, Popondetta Primary, and Resurrection, have been organized into four established association clubs, distinguished by their colors:
Mani Knights [Red], Friends [Yellow] , Nomiels [Green] , Wanderwoods [Blue].
The softball competition serves as a direct pathway for youth players to progress into hardball cricket. Following the completion of the Liklik Smash, Cricket PNG plans to introduce an Under-19 Junior Hardball Cricket program to prepare players for the main Popondetta Cricket Association hardball division.
Bavaro commended the high attendance throughout the tournament and called on the community to show up for the final matches.
"I'd like to encourage parents, especially those whose children are playing in the grand final next week, to come around and support the kids," Bavaro said, while also acknowledging local media coverage from NBC Northern.
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