Great year for cricket

 CRICKET Papua New Guinea has hailed 2010 as a successful year with excitement, achievement and recognition through its various efforts in developing the sport in the country.

Cricket PNG CEO Bill Leane revealed that through the first Pacific MMI-Motor Vehicle Insurance Don’t drink and drive legend’s bash last January, PNG Cricket received recognition through an ICC Global Award for event and marketing excellence, while the second one held earlier in the month was also a success.

Further milestones were also achieved through an ICC acknowledgement for the fastest participation growth and the creation of turf wickets for the first time in PNG history and the opening of a K650,000 indoor high performance centre.

The PNG U19’s ranking of 12th in the world following a strong performance at the 2010 U19 World Cup, was a great accomplishment. 

Raymond Haoda Jr took the most wickets at the World Cup which was the first-time achievement by a non-Test playing country.

The Bank South Pacific school cricket programme also was a major hit in the country with 52,965 boys and girls participating and graduating from cricket education programme.

CPNG also saw a significant increase in the number of Brian Bell Future Stars scholarship players playing in Australia for the 2010-11 summer including two men with the ACT Comets and two women with Queensland in the women’s CA Cup bringing the total to 16.

There was also an amazing five awards at the annual SP PNG sports Awards including sportsman of the year (John Ovia) and junior team of the year (PNG U19 cricketers)

Leane said: “CPNG also saw an increasing of our operation nationally to have 46 game development staff in 10 provinces and six players outside of Port Moresby selected in national teams.”

With the continuing growth and impact from the Australian government, the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development programme assisting local counterparts to become trained and skilled was also part and parcel of CPNG’s great year.

“I want to thank everyone and wish all of Cricket PNG supporters and all who have contributed to the development of cricket in the country this year a safe festive season and a prosperous 2011,” Leane said in his year-end wrap up.