The Lae Cricket Association’s 2025/26 T20 season came to an exciting close on Sunday, 1 February 2026, with Raukele CC and Friends CC emerging as A Grade and B Grade champions following competitive Grand Final matches in Lae.
The A Grade Grand Final delivered a competitive match, with Raukele CC holding their nerve to defeat Rest of the World CC, by three wickets in a closely fought match. Rest of the World CC, set a challenging total of 159 for eight, applying early pressure on Raukele during the run chase.
However, Raukele responded with successfully reaching the target with three wickets in hand to secure the championship title. Velenama Torre was named Player of the Match for the A Grade Final, producing a standout performance that proved in Raukele CC’s title-winning effort.
In the B Grade Grand Final, Friends CC produced a dominant all-round performance to claim the championship with a convincing 42-run victory over Rest of the World 2.
After posting a competitive total of 128 for eight, Friends applied sustained pressure with the ball, dismissing Rest of the World 2 for 86 to seal a comprehensive win.
The B Grade final saw Chaminda Ponnamperuma recognized as Player of the Match, following an influential display that underpinned Friends CC’s successful campaign.
The Lae Cricket Association congratulates Raukele CC and Friends CC on their championship victories and extends its appreciation to all clubs, match officials, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to a successful and highly competitive 2025/26 T20 season.
Cricket Papua New Guinea congratulates LCA on a successful tournament which is a start of a good year in for Cricket in the regions of the country.