Women cricketers improve ranking

By FRANKLIN KOLMA
THE International Cricket Committee (ICC) said the PNG’s Lewas female cricket team finished fourth on the global charts in the Women’s senior numbers and third in participation behind India and Australia respectively.
These gains added to the Lewas current global ranking of 16 will push PNG high up the ladder and possibly into the world top 10.
“This is great news for the Lewas and PNG. “They could very easily be the first PNG team playing test cricket,” Cricket PNG general manager Greg Campbell said.
He said this during a two-year sponsorship announcement by Pacific MMI of K110,000 to the Lewas.
The sponsorship as pointed out by Pacific MMI’s managing director Wayne Dorgan is to help with preparations for the East Asia Pacific Women’s Cricket Championships in Vanuatu next month.
Lewas head coach Peter Moide said the girls were undergoing  intense training and with the sponsorship the cricketers would travel to the Gold Coast to undergo fitness training at the Runaway Bay
Super Centre.
“The girls will play two matches against Australian teams before heading to Vanuatu,” Moide said.
The team comprise experienced and fresh players, a mix that should work against the current champions Japan, who will also participate in the Vanuatu championships.
Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and newcomers Tahiti, will be up against the Lewas.
The Lewas: Ura Rigana, Varoi Morea, Pauke Siaka, Boni David, Mebo Ipi, Kaia Arua, Norma Ovasuru, Tanya Ruma, Kila Leka, Eva Bakoles, Ravini Oa, Kari Rova Ravu, Geua Boe and Lillian Ofae.
Officials: Moide (coach), Greg Oala (associate coach) and Margaret Moide (team manageress).