Garamuts’ Ray balances cricket and school

IT was quite a challenge for national Under-19 men’s cricket team all-rounder Boio Ray when it came to balancing school and training, but he managed the two with ease.
The 17-year-old, who has just completed Grade 11 at the Port Moresby Grammar School, said it was one part of training that was hard for him.
“It was difficult balancing school and cricket,” Ray said.
“But I just go to school and after school I join fellow squad members in training.
“Usually, the U19 team would train for at least six months, but for us it’s shorter than that.”
As with other countries competing in next month’s U19 Men’s World Cup, the global pandemic has caused the unfortunate short and unconventional time frame for the Garamuts to train.
However, they have taken on the challenge with grit.
“We will try our best to represent the country and I look forward to having that challenge with the other U19 teams,” Ray said, adding that he was looking forward to facing Pakistan.
“I love the game itself, enjoying it with my teammates.
“I like Vani Vagi Morea; I just love his batting and his games.”
And if it is not cricket, he loves going for family picnics.
The Pari villager, from Central, had been playing since he was 10.
And it is apparent that his family were a big part of his passion for cricket.
After joining the Pari Cricket Club, Ray was soon identified as a young talent in the programme.
“I didn’t think I would make the team, but I’m very proud,” Ray said.
“I just want to say thanks to the selectors of the team and the Cricket PNG board.”