Provincial cricket comp launched

FOLLOWING the launch of the Dulux Provincial Cricket Championships, Cricket PNG last week announced that three of its stars would take on new roles as Dulux provincial cricket championship ambassadors.
Barramundi captain Rarua Dikana, PNG wicketkeeper Jack Vare and top female player Norma Ovasuru were appointed to the “Dulux ambassador” roles.
“What this entails is Rarua, Jack and Norma being at various provincial events to speak with participants, to mentor emerging and talented players and to also conduct some focused sessions on skill development,” Cricket PNG’s Bill Leane said.
Dikana said the priority of the Dulux programme  was to create opportunities for players all over PNG to make the country’s different representative sides or simply be identified for inclusion in the Cricket PNG high performance programme.
“It will be really exciting for the three of us to see cricket in other parts of PNG.
“It’s also a great opportunity for our own personal development and being out in the community as role models is a humbling experience for us,” Dikana said.
He encouraged those wanting to become active in cricket to contact Cricket PNG on 323 3254 or speak with their Cricket PNG regional manager.
“I also want to thank Dulux as the strength of their values, history and reputation as a global power brand is important for our sport to learn from and be associated with.
“As our sport continues to grow, I certainly hope that more CEOs and MDs of major companies around PNG come to understand and appreciate that cricket is actually being played all over PNG through the efforts of Cricket PNG and its staff and this is one of the most progressive and successful sports in the country,” Dikana said. Vare went to Mt Hagen last Thursday to conduct the first Dulux provincial cricket championship ambassadors tour.
The schedule for the Dulux provincial championships is as follows:
In Central matches will be played in several villages from April 29-30, division six at Gomore with teams from GabaGaba, Gomore, Moukele and Tubusereia.
On May 6-7, division one at Kapari with teams from Lalaura, Kapari, Viriolo and Gavuone.
On May13-14, division two at Ega Launa with teams from Egalauna, Maopa and Pelagai.
On May 20-21, division three at Keapara with teams from Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa.
On May 27-28, division four at Hula with teams from Hula, Makerupu, Alewai  and Irupara.
On June 3-4, division five at Babaka with teams from Kamali, Kalo, Babaka and Kaparoko.
The finals are on June 17-18.
All matches for NCD will be played  at Amini Park.
There will be four rounds  on consecutive Saturdays begining April 30 with the finals on May 20.
Meanwhile, in Madang, Eastern Highlands, Morobe, Western Highlands, Oro and West New Britain, there will be round robin matches and the final played from April 24-25.
In New Ireland round robin matches and the final will be played from May 7-8.
In Milne Bay, matches begin on Saturday and will end on May 14 with the final.