21 softball teams from around East New Britain took part in the recent Gugu Hire Car Softball Tournament in Rabaul which saw Starbase Ivarak winning the grand prize.

The tournament was held at the Queen Elizabeth Park from 28th September to 1st October, the four day competition was aimed at reviving the sporting code in the volcanic town through the Rabaul Softball Association (RSA).

In the Men’s grand finals, Starbase Ivarak defeated Paveks Kikila Cats 9-6 after completing the 7th inning. Taking home K2,000 prize money.

Paveke Kikila secured K1,000 as runner-ups. Also being awarded the “Most Disciplined Team”.

In the Women’s category, Island Hawks defeated Manolos 14-3 in the grand final. Taking home K2,000 and K1,000 prized money respectively.

Softball Veterans in the likes of;

• Esau Vinarang, pitching for Starbase Ivarak, – Mesach Topia playing for Paveks Kikila Cats,
  -Ishmael Marnapal playing for MSC, Rosa Maira playing for Sea Bruk Cardinals, Pauline Kaputin pitching for Manolos,
  -sisters-Baiai Tevita and Elsie Tevita laying down the pitcher-catcher combinations for the Island Hawks.

Following the successful conclusion of the Tournament, the RSA Interim Executive Chairlady and tournament director, Bernadette Payoe said, the RSA Interim Executive Committee will decide on options to commence season proper or corporate softball.

The RSA has extended it’s appreciation for sponsors within East New Britain that enabled the softball tournament to be successfully staged.

The Gold sponsor Gugu Hire Car donated K10,000 and earned the naming rights. Gugu Hire Car is a local hire car and construction company.

Minor sponsors include Mengen Limited, Jacom Building Construction Limited, Coastal Shipping Company, EQF Band and Tropicana Ltd.

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