Women’s cricket out to impress

 THE Cook Islands women’s cricket team and PNG Lewas are ready to leave a lasting mark in the Pacific Games.

Cook Islands coach Alister Stevic said the Cook Islanders — though an amateur side — had the potential to perform well during the week-long women’s cricket competition at the Games.

“The women has been training since returning from Japan in 2014,”  Stevic said.

Stevic said he was excited to have watched the growth of youngsters Sala Matapo and Phillica Maruariki in the team. “Phillica is an aggressive batter, who fits perfectly with the style we like to play in our Twenty20 cricket. 

“Sala is a technical batter and her rise to prominence as one of the country’s best has been exciting,” Stevic said.

Vice captain Marii Kaukura said: “Women’s cricket in the Cook Islands is increasing in popularity and as a team we are proud to be at the forefront of inspiring another generation of young female cricketers.

“If we give our all in every match — we will make our nation proud.”

Meanwhile, coach Rodney Maha of the reigning East Asia-Pacific women’s champions, the PNG Lewas, said he was very confident the team was geared up to face other national women’s teams in the Pacific Games.

“We are on track to maintain our record as the champions of the Pacifi.

“With the success of our recent tour in Samoa, we are sure that Lewas will be a force to reckon with at the Games,” Maha said.