Coach Dawes hails return of women’s cricket

By ROBINSON LEKA
PAPUA New Guinea Barramundis head coach Joe Dawes has hailed the return of women’s cricket in the country after the successful staging of the women’s T20 Smash last week.
After the final between Cassowaries and Mudwomen, he said there were more tournaments and activities planned for women’s cricket with a 35-over match for next year.
“We want to have more cricket so we’ll be having two teams for a 35-over match and that’s going to be really exciting to have more games,” Dawes said.
“The coaches (for the women’s teams) and I have been watching everyone’s progress during the T20 Smash and we’re going be calling up a few women to train with the PNG Lewas.
“There’ll be more opportunities and it’s really an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket.
“Our men have worked hard and they’re qualified for a spot in the T20 World Cup and it’s going to be another interesting journey for our women.”
Meanwhile, Lewas captain Kaia Arua acknowledged the efforts of Cricket PNG to host the tournament after a four-month break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We didn’t get to play enough cricket because of the lockdown so it’s a big thing for us to finally have matches,” she said.
“The tournament helps every squad member measure themselves against another bunch of talented young players.
“We have a good group of young players coming through, not only from the Cassowaries but from all the teams.
“It’s great to play alongside them in the tournament.”