Vanuatu six spice up comp

 THIS year’s Hebou Shield cricket tournament has been spiced up with the inclusion of six Vanuatu national players in a revised concept.

The Hebou Shield is Papua New Guinea’s elite T20 competition staged in Port Moresby. It began on last month. 

The official launch, which was delayed until yesterday, confirmed the inclusion of Trevor Langa, Simpson Obed, Samson Kalworai, Niko Unavalu, Apolinaire Stephen and Joshua Rasu in each of the six teams.  

The six teams are BSP Central Hearts, Digara Northern Diggers, Hebou Western Hammers, Air Niugini Southern Jets, Brian Bell Colts Bulldogs and Pacific MMI Eastern Marlins.

There are four women’s teams as well. They are Hebou Harriots, Pure Water Diamonds, Dulux Magic and Pacific MMI Mermaids.

The Vanuatu players will be taking part in the competition over a three-week period before returning home.

Cricket Papua New Guinea general manager Greg Campbell said the inclusion of the Vanuatu national players was to help them gain experience and to up-skill their players.

He said Papua New Guinea wanted to contribute towards strengthening the region and this was one way of helping Vanuatu lift their standard by inviting their elite players to play in the local elite competition.