Australian cricket great helps Lewas win

FORMER Australian women’s cricket star Cathryn Fitzpatrick has been credited for helping guide Papua New Guinea to winning the East Asia-Pacific regional qualifier last month.
The Lewas recently competed in the International Cricket Council EAP regional qualifier in Apia, Samoa.
The City Pharmacy-backed Lewas played host country Samoa and Japan in double round robin matches and proved to be the best of the trio, going undefeated throughout the tournament to claim the championship.
Fitzpatrick was at one point recognised as the world’s fastest female pace bowler.
The Australian cricket great retired in 2007 from international and state cricket to concentrate on coaching.
Fitzpatrick was brought on as assistant coach by Cricket PNG to help Lewas coach Rodney Maha for their Samoan tour.
“The opportunity came about from some previous involvement with the women when the team visited Queensland the previous season,” Fitzpatrick said.
“I visited PNG last year as part of the T20 Legend’s Big Bash and spent some time with the team then. The girls have a natural flair for the game and are very passionate about representing PNG,” the two-time World Cup championship cricketer said.
When asked about the Lewas’ chances of qualifying for the ICC Women’s World Cup next year, Fitzpatrick said the side had the potential to make the world event.
“They respond well to suggestions about tactics and technique,”
Coach Maha said Fitzpatrick had an impact on the side, helping fine-tune the Lewas style and ability to get more out of their talent.