Dikana resigns as Lewas coach

BY NATHAN WOTI
THE national women’s cricket team programme is under review following the resignation of Lewas head coach Rarua Dikana, says the sport’s governing body.
Cricket Papua New Guinea chief executive Lee McDowell told The National on Monday the aim was for the Lewas to claim an elusive maiden World Cup appearance.
“Rarua did an excellent job,” he said. “But we missed out on the World Cup the last two times, so it gives us a chance to review what we’re doing and see if we can get the Lewas over the line.”
The Lewas made the semifinals of the previous two World Cup qualifiers but were beaten on both ocassions.
“They were close to qualifying for next year’s (T20) World Cup in Australia and previously in the West Indies,” McDowell said.
“That’s similar with the Barramandis (national men’s cricket team). It’s the last hurdle that the both team need to overcome.
“And now with the tour of the Women’s World Cup trophy, it adds a bit of motivation especially for the younger players in the group.
“They’ve got a longer lifespan in cricket compared with the senior players so hopefully, this inspires them to strive for greater heights.
“The Lewas are in different stages of training. We’ve got some of the senior players in Australia at the moment on scholarships.
“Their next big challenge will be halfway through next year. They still have to qualify for the 50-over World Cup so that’s basically what they’re working towards.”
The Lewas are undergoing strength and conditioning trainings. They begin skills training in February in preparation for any international matches.
McDowell said there were plans to organise international matches against other countries in the lead-up to the qualifiers in Sri Lanka.
“We’re talking with a couple of countries for a bilateral series, so we’ll play in both countries. We are not sure yet, but we’re talking with a few people,” he said.
McDowell said they had already assembled a national squad in a bid to qualify for the 2021 Women’s Under-19 World Cup.