Lewas’ World Cup bid backed by state, NGCB

A NEW sponsorship has been agreed to between Cricket PNG and the National Gaming and Control Board to aid the City Pharmacy PNG Lewas’ bid to qualify for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies next year.
Chief executive officer Imelda Agon said the NGCB was proud to continue its support to bolster sports in the country with the body giving K125,000 to the Lewas.
“The NGCB has backed various sports around the country with the Kumuls and Hunters in rugby league the most notable and now we are pleased to support cricket,” Agon said.
“We have seen a big improvement in cricket and NGCB has come on board on behalf of the government.
“I wish the team all the best. You are representing us. You carry Papua New Guinea in your heart and whatever you do out there, know that we are behind you.”
Cricket PNG chairman Helen Macindoe thanked Agon and highlighted all the work done by the Lewas over the last 12 months
She said the Lewas would travel to the Netherlands for the World T20 qualifiers in June, where they will take on seven countries with a chance to qualify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The Lewas have retained their East Asia Pacific regional No.1 ranking in both the 50-over and T20 formats and achieved a top 16 ranking in the world.
“Over the last couple of years, there have been times where it has been difficult to get the support for some of the programmes we want to carry out,” Mcindoe said.
“This money specifically, will be used for the City Pharmacy PNG Lewas to prepare the best they can possibly be, to help qualify from the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Netherlands, later this year.”
Macindoe thanked the NGCB and state for their support. “This will go a long way in helping us when we get to the Netherlands.”
The top two from the qualfiers will advance to the World Cup.
Cricket PNG CEO Greg Campbell said he was grateful from the support and it meant they were doing the right thing.
“We are very humbled and grateful to receive the money from the NGCB. Rest assured Cricket PNG will reconcile everything and tell you where the money is being spent and how it has improved our Lewas and how the previous sponsorship has helped our Under-19s and the national men’s team in Zimbabwe,” Campbell said.
The hardwork done by the administrative staff of Cricket PNG was not lost on Agon whop commended them.
“I want to acknowledge cricket’s leadership. You have taken this sport to a whole new level. The funding from the NGCB is just a small contribution when compared to your efforts,” Agon said.
Lewas coach Rarua Dikana has been plotting qualification for some time now and laid out the roadmap ahead for his team.
“We’ve been working hard since January. We wanted to make sure that we were well prepared and ready for the tournament in Netherlands,” Dikana said.
Dikana, who is yet to finalise his team, said the Lewas squad were playing trial matches at Amini Park involving the best female cricketers from Lae, Poppondeta and Alotau.
“We will play our Reds and Blacks series in two weeks time and that will be the final basis of selection.
“As you can see, we have a very tight schedule, trying to make sure we select the best team possible and select them from around the country, not just Port Moresby.”
Dikana thanked the NGCB for the support saying his staff and squad members were training well knowing they had great backing from a committed sponsor.