Cricket drives on the pitch, road

ELA Motors, as part of its corporate social responsibility, yesterday announced its partnership with Cricket PNG, helping to drive the success of the nation’s cricket teams as they prepare to compete on the world stage.
Cricket PNG were presented with a Toyota Hilux to support coach Joe Dawes in performing his coaching duties while in Port Moresby.
“It’s fantastic to have Ela Motors come on board and support our national cricket and community programmes,” said Dawes, who is just back from Namibia where the Barramundis obtained One Day International status in spectacular circumstances last week, thus securing more international games for the national men’s side with many to be hosted at Amini Park, Port Moresby over the next two years.
Ela Motors chief executive officer Keiichiro Kuwabara said: “Corporate social responsibility is an important focus for us which contributes to education, health and environment in the local communities we operate. It is our pleasure to support Cricket PNG in their initiative to continue to develop cricketing communities.”
Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell welcomed Ela Motors support saying the sport would be embarking on an exciting period after the Barras reclaimed their ODI status.
“We are entering a very busy and exciting period for cricket in this country with our national men’s and women’s sides competing for spots in four world cups over the next 12 months, this would not be possible without the generous support of organisations such as Ela Motors. Both organisations recognise the social and community benefits that can be delivered by using cricket as a vehicle to help provide change,” Campbell said.
“We look forward to sharing these successes both internationally and in the PNG communities with Keiichiro and the Ela Motors team in the near future”
With the Barramundis returning from a successful 50-over World Cricket League Division 2 tournament the focus now turns to the Lewas who left on Monday for their East Asia Pacific T20 and 50-over World Cup Qualifier in Vanuatu.
They will be closely followed at the end of the month by the U19 Garamuts who are off to their corresponding qualifying event in Japan.