Cook Islands Quietly Building for Samoa

The Telecom Cook Islands National Men's Team is trying to keep a low profile in the build up to what could yet be the most significant tournament in the island nations cricketing history, when they compete in the ICC East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Trophy in Samoa starting April 4th.

Despite the obvious boost that a tournament victory would give to cricket development in the Cook Islands, team manager David Leeming insists the team is not getting sucked in to thinking that far ahead.

"Our expectation is to perform to the best of our abilities and to leave Samoa knowing we played our best cricket as a team," said Leeming. "We also want to ensure that we have played and upheld the spirit of the game, played in our unique style and we have enjoyed each other's successes."

As is the case with a number of countries within the region, many players in the Cook Islands squad have been forced to juggle work, fundraising and family commitments on top of their preparation for this tournament; however Leeming has been inspired by the commitment and teamwork of his players.

"The Telecom Cook Islands National Men's Team have always believed in working closely as a team and that a player's individual performance in any given match is only successful if he has been supported well by his team mates," said Leeming. "We have a very close knit unit that works very hard for one another."

After a solid performance at their last international competition in 2009, the Cook Islands are well aware improvement still has to be made if they are to bridge the gap between themselves and tournament hosts Samoa who comfortably accounted for them in the corresponding fixture three years ago.

Leeming believes however that the cricket programs that have been in place since that time have provided the base for his side to challenge every team in attendance.

"We have placed a strong emphasis on grass roots cricket here which means talented youth are coming through the ranks and developing well through our cricketing programmes."

At the 2009 event the Cook Islands had no problem defeating both Indonesia and Tonga. However with the inclusion of the unknown quantities in the Republic of Korea and the Philippines at this tournament combined with the expected improvement from Tonga and Indonesia, it is not just the hosts that Leeming's men will be focused on.

"We are treating all teams in this competition with respect," he said. "Of late we have seen how the underdog can cause an upset, especially in Twenty20 cricket so in that respect, no opponent should or will be taken lightly."

The Cook Islands open their campaign against Tonga on April 4th.