Barramundis to play Australia’s domestic cricket team

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE national men’s cricket team will face Cricket Australia 11 in their opening fixture of the Darwin 365 programme at the DXC Arena at 6pm (local time) today.
Led by assistant coach John Ovia, the Barramundis arrived in Darwin on Wednesday.
Ovia told The National yesterday that he was expecting an improved performance against some of the best cricketers in Australia in the 10-day event.
“The expectation is to do well from our previous tournament,” he said.
“My message to the team was to do the little things right, be positive, believe in themselves and enjoy the contest.
“We worked on taking more risks in batting, bowling at the right time, so hopefully we execute our game plan.”
Meanwhile, skipper Assad Vala said the team remained positive about the tournament.
“The feeling around the group is really good with the players looking forward to showcasing their skills against some of Australia’s best talents,” he told this paper.
“My aim as captain is to improve from the qualifiers.
“There were some really good performances, but we weren’t clinical in the big moments.
“In the crucial moments, when the game was in the balance, we did not execute our skills under pressure.
“That’s what I want to do better against quality opposition.”
Barramundis: Assad Vala (captain), Charles Amini Jr (vice-captain), Norman Vanua, Tony Ura, Lega Siaka, Sema Kamea, Kipling Doriga, Sese Bau, Chad Soper, Hila Vare, Damien Ravu, Hiri Hiri, Kabua Vagi Morea, Simon Atai, Nosaina Pokana.