Albert to captain Orchids

ELSIE Albert has been named Oil Search Papua New Guinea Orchids captain for the first of a two-test series against England in Goroka, Eastern Highlands, tomorrow (2pm kick-off).
Gloria Kaupa, 21, from Eastern Highlands, will be the 23-year-old University of Natural Resources and Environment student’s deputy for the National Sports Institute (NSI) clash.
Eleven debutants — Gemma Schnaubelt, Ua Ravu, Belinda Gwasamum, Erswin Kaiat, Lyannah Allan, Angelena Watego, Lila Malabag, Shirley Joe, Tahina Booth, Elizabeth Paisoi and Janet John – have been named in the starting side. Coach Bagelo Solien will confirm his final 17 at the captain’s run today.
England, who arrived in Goroka yesterday afternoon via Port Moresby, are touring the country for the first time.
The NSI gates open at 9am with tickets to be sold there at K10 per person.
The second match will be played as a curtain-raiser to next Saturday’s clash between the PNG LNG Kumuls and the visiting British Lions at the Oil Search National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
Orchids: Gemma Schnaubelt, Ua Ravu, Belinda Gwasamum, Erswin Kaiat, Lyannah Allan, Angelena Watego, Lila Malabag, Elsie Albert (captain), Shirley Joe, Tahina Booth, Elizabeth Paisoi, Gloria Kaupa (vice captain), Janet John; Interchange – Roswita Kapo, Seroge Sabume, Carol Humeu, Kia Monaei, Berthshiba Awoi, Angelica Nanege, Charity Emika.