Garamuts confident of winning World Cup qualifier

 By ISAAC LIRI  

THE Papua New Guinea Under-19 Garamuts left Port Moresby yesterday confident they can win the International Cricket Council’s East Asia-Pacific trophy in Blenheim, New Zealand.

Coach John Ovia said he was expecting his players to perform well as they had been training since September.

“From batting to fielding and bowling, basically we have everything covered,” Ovia said.

The Digicel-sponsored team will be in Auckland for a week before they head to Blenheim.

The team’s costs have been met by the ICC.  The Garamuts take on Fiji on February 24, followed by Samoa before their final match against Vanuatu on Feb 28. The winner of the tournament will automatically qualify for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup next year in Bangladesh. 

The runners-up get another chance to qualify for the World Cup in another tournament later this year. Garamuts: Lou Toua (C), Ovia Boge (VC), William Aiga (VC), Helai Guba, Jack Dairi, Harry Gavera, Vagi John, Lohia Guba, Vagi Guba, Arua Gau, Gau Arua Simoi, Eno Leo, Nou Ako, Sere Daure;  Non-traveling reserves: Nao Asi, Udu Nou, Vagi Kora, Frank Tutara.