United ended the Port Moresby Cricket season on a high note by defeating premiership favourites Mobil Steamships in the A Grade grand final on Saturday week.

In a game opened by Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morouta and played in front of a big crowd at the Colts ground United batted first after losing the toss and after struggling early on limped to 179.

Wicketkeeper Ipi Morea topscored with 40 and was well supported by Kohu Dai and Mea Udu who put on 56 for the eighth wicket to take United to a respectable score. United's top order navigated the Mobil opening attack comfortably before the introduction of PNG leg spinner Ross Vagi stemmed the tide.

Vagi returned 4-52 in his allotted ten overs and was backed by 3-45 from fellow national representative Gimpau Keimelo.

Faced with a very achievable target of 180 Steamies started poorly before former national captain Aukamu Noka teamed with Trevor Elly to put Mobil back in the drivers seat.

Seemingly coasting to victory Noka's dismissal to Rarua Dikana caught on the long off boundary signalled the beginning of the end as Dikana and Mea Udu cut a swathe through the Steamies middle order to have them reeling at 8-140.

When Noel Kariko was caught down the legside by keeper Morea, Steamies were still 29 runs in arrears and United had won their first premiership in 10 years. It was a courageous victory by United who were on the verge of missing out on the finals midway through the season.

In what was a tremendous club effort United's B graders also made the Grand Final going down to Poroporena whilst the United Women took out the womens premiership. In the Under 19 Grand final Raukele defeated Steamies to end a disappointing season for the competition heavy weights.

United will now start as firm favourites for the two week Morauta Cup Knockout competition beginning this weekend. Named after Association Patron and Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta, the competition should be fierce as players via for places in the PNG ICC squad due to be named shortly.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd