Pawa Short Circuit United Brothers to Claim POM Men’s Softball Association Title

The Pawa Softball Club flexed their muscles on the dugout when they smashed the United Brothers with a decisive 10-3 victory in the Port Moresby Men’s Softball Association A-Grade Grand Final last Saturday (August 9th) at the Bisini Softball Diamonds. 

The Minor Premiers (United Brothers) scored two innings in the early proceedings of the contest and dominated the dugout. However, Pawa swung the momentum and put themselves in the game, limiting the Brothers’ batting intensity. 

Despite the United Brothers exerting their dominance in the dugout, Pawa capitalized on the brethren’s fielding errors and made them pay the price, securing the coveted title to cap off their season in style.  

Pawa captain Mark Wekina said their preparation leading up to the decider was simple and relaxed as they wanted to be present and in the moment, as opposed to thinking too much about the game.  

Despite a few players carrying niggling injuries, they had to manage their workload through the week and made sure their fielding and batting prowess were on point, accomplishing their task on the weekend. 

Skipper Wekina stated that they had believed in each other’s ability, which saw them play together as a team to stun the heavily-favored United Brothers. 

“Our key was trust and discipline. We trusted each other, trusted our game plan, and we were disciplined about sticking to it,” he said. 

“We made small but crucial adjustments by tightening up our defense after the first few innings and started reading their batters better. 

“And offensively, we were aggressive at the batter's box and composed on the bases, which forced errors and gave us momentum.

“We all trusted and believed in each other by sharing words of encouragement, staying focused in the game, and supporting one another while the players were at the batting box. We did everything together as a team. 

“There was no doubt in our dugout even when we were trailing. We were all there as one team with one goal in mind to win the grand final.”  

Mr. Wekina mentioned that the victory was special for the team, as they dedicated the shield to two of the late players for the club.

“It means everything. This isn't just about the shield that we won, it's about the sacrifices of each of the players, their families, all the people that support Pawa,” the skipper said.

“We dedicate this win to the late Isikel Tovia Snr and the late Cleland Tukana. For some of us, this was our first A-Grade title. It was a goal at the beginning of the year to win the title to attract sponsors for our club, so we're extremely proud of the effort and the outcome.”

Captain Wekina congratulated the players, including the coaching staff, team management, the sponsors, and the fans, for their support throughout the season.

He added by saying: “We will celebrate this win and enjoy being the 2025 POMMSA Champions. Then, the hard work starts again. 

“The guys carrying injuries will be treated and put on a rehab plan, then it's back to the drawing board - building depth, sharpening our skills, and keeping the same hunger as this season’s champions.

“Defending the title is harder than winning it, but we’re ready for that challenge.”