Academy squads to compete in challenge

By PATRICIA KEAMO
CRICKET Papua New Guinea has announced its men’s academy squad that will be competing in the Pacific Island Cricket Challenge next month in Suva, Fiji.
The federation’s academy programme is a step above the national Under-19 squad that feeds the Barramundis and Lewas.
The 14-man academy squad will join the PNG Lewas to compete in the tournament that will be co-hosted by the Australian Defence Force Cricket and Cricket Fiji in Suva next month.
Apart from PNG, the teams competing in the tournament include Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, New Caledonia and the Anzac Barbarians.
Prior to the tournament, a skills development programme will be held on March 5-9 before the tournament’s opening ceremony on March 10.
PNG will play its opening fixture on March 11 against hosts Fiji with the tournament to be played in a Twenty-20 (T20) round-robin format until the grand final on March 18.
Cricket PNG chief executive officer Greg Campbell congratulated the men’s academy squad and the Kumul Petroleum-sponsored Lewas and wished them well in their preparations.
Kath Hempenstall will lead the Lewas with Mahuru as her assistant and Pauke Siaka as playing coach, while Rodney Maha was named the men’s academy head coach and Rarua Dikana as manager to be accompanied by physiotherapist Mikayla Haddow.
Squad – Vicky Ara’a, Kaia Arua (captain), Hollan Doriga, Kevau Frank, Sibona Jimmy, Ravini Oa, Erani Pokana, Tania Ruma, Pauke Siaka, Brenda Tau, Henao Thomas, Geua Tom, Isabella Toua, Naoani Vare, (Lewas), Melanie Ani, Hane Tau (non-travelling reserves), Doko Rupa, malcolm Aporo, Travis Vuivagi, Jason Kila (captain), Govea Airi, Aue Oru, Tau Nou, Christopher Kilapat, Junior Morea, Michael Charlies, Lega Siaka, Jack Gardner, Vani Vagi, Nosaina Pokana, (men’s academy squad).