Softball
BY SIMON KESLEP

The Port Moresby Softball League will enter a weekend double header slugfest at the Bisini diamonds at the weekend.
The men’s competition will play another round of double headers on Sunday while the women will be expected to keep up to their fitness level with the first weekend of double headers on Saturday.
It has been a slow start to the 2017-18 season for the men’s top gunners as they struggle to find their way into the winning circle.
After the fifth round, the A-grade points ladder has United Brothers on 10 points followed by Yokomo 8, Defence 6, Brown Eagles 6 and Gazelle 6, Saints 4, Bears 4, Funeral Home Kikila Cats 4 while the reigning champions PNG Power 2 and Aviat Jets have yet to register a win.
The table is subject to change after some top performance by some teams last Sunday.
There is a total twist in the women’s A-grade with top favourites struggling to find their winning form.
Bears are currently leading on 10 points followed by Stingerz on 9, Chebu 8, Gazelle 8 and Saints 8, reigning champions United Sisters 7, Wantoks 4, Yokomo 2 while Mariners have yet to register a win.
Stingerz, Gazelle and Bears are in for their money as their junior teams (B Grade) stamped their mark to keep up with the top placings on the points ladder.
“We have nine games each in two rounds, round one will be completed this weekend with a double header of games eight and nine,” Port Moresby women’s Softball Association’s Sophie Malaibe.
“This is a complete turn of points ladder compared to last season’s ladder after round seven. Teams that were known to have the weakest link last season have now populated in the top four.”
She said it is a good change but not a comfortable one as it is still anyone’s game when the second round pitches off.