EAP squad for ACCC announced

Melbourne – ICC East Asia - Pacific (EAP) selectors today announced the 14-man squad to represent the EAP region at the Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC) to be held in Mackay, Queensland from 6 – 17 January 2008.

The EAP squad for the ACCC is:

Rarua Dikana (PNG) – Captain

Chris Amini (PNG)

Colin Amini (PNG)

Hitolo Areni (PNG)

Jamie Brazier (PNG)

Mahuru Dai (PNG)

Dunu Eliaba (Cook Islands)

Masaomi Kobayashi (Japan)

Jacob Mado (PNG)

Andrew Mansale (Vanuatu)

Ipi Morea (PNG)

Loa Nou (PNG)

John Ovia (PNG)

Assad Vala (PNG)

The selection of the squad for the ACCC follows the recent completion of an intensive two week camp held at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. Both the camp and ACCC form part of the EAP High Performance Program which is designed to assist the development of the region’s leading players and countries.

Commenting on the squad selected for the ACCC, ICC EAP Development Officer Ben Oliver said:

“Performances throughout the camp were encouraging and as always selection was difficult given the talent coming through Under 19 and Senior National Squad programs.”

PNG all-rounder Rarua Dikana will again Captain the EAP squad which includes 8 players returning from last season’s ACCC. Cook Islands pace bowler Dunu Eliaba and PNG batsman Chris Amini return to the squad, while Japan batsman Masaomi Kobayashi and PNG trio Colin Amini, Jacob Mado and Loa Nou have all been selected for their first ACCC.

“The nucleus of the squad now has considerable experience at this level. Some exciting young players have been added to the mix and the squad will be looking to build on the improved performances recorded at the last two Championships,” continued Mr. Oliver.

The ACCC comprises five two-day games played over a twelve day period, and includes state country teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Victoria won the 2007 title held in Mildura, Victoria.