Cricket Fiji names national women's squad

Cricket Fiji has named three debutants in its women's squad to tour Vanuatu for a tri-series in April.

Moce's Sera Mafi and Luisa Vosaki, and Nadi's Makalesi Madi will make their first appearance for Fiji as part of the 14-player squad which will make just its second international tour since the inception of women's cricket in Fiji 18 months ago.

The squad also includes four internationally based players ? captain Losi Harford and all-rounder Semaema Raramasi from New Zealand, vice-captain Alicia Dean from Australia and Sera Kaukiono, who was previously a development officer for Cricket Fiji, but presently lives in Japan.

Debutante Mafi, is the squad's youngest member at 15 and is one of three players from the successful Moce team which won the national Women's Tournament last week.

Head selector and Cricket Fiji high performance manager Steve Jenkin said there had been a significant improvement in the standard of cricket compared to the inaugural titles last year.

"The level had definitely been raised which was great to see and it made it a difficult task for the selectors," Jenkin said.

"There were probably three or four players who only just missed the team, but with an extra year under their belts I think they'll be pushing for selection next season.

"I was particularly impressed with the young Moce captain Luisa Vosaki. She's making the team for the first time this year and she was a real standout."

Squad training will be held every Saturday at Albert Park, commencing this weekend.

Team: Losi Harford (captain), Alicia Dean (vice-captain), Lanieta Benuci (vice-captain), Ruci Kaiwai, Luanne Rika, Marica Vua, Semaema Raramasi, Silipa Raratabu, Mareia Tilau, Sera Mafi, Luisa Vosaki, Makalesi Madi, Ana Maria, Sera Kaukiono

Reserves (non-travelling): Elenor Suvewa, Arieta Tagilala, Luisa Cagi, Talatoka Miriama