EAP Under 17's ready for Round One

The 2010 Pepsi ICC EAP U17 Cricket Trophy begins tomorrow in Port Vila with hosts Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Indonesia all looking forward to their Round 1 matches.

The opening ceremony was held at Independence Park in Port Vila earlier this morning, with all teams and officials in attendance.

In a joint activity between the Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA) and the ICC East Asia - Pacific Office (ICCEAP), all players and officials were provided a red t-shirt to wear while organising themselves in the shape of a UNAIDS ribbon. A photographer was then suspended high above the human ribbon, with several panoramic photos taken to be used throughout the region to continue to spread the UNAIDS message.

VCA President welcomed all players and officials and thanked tournament sponsors, before handing over to Vanuatu Minister for Youth and Sport, Mr. Raphael Mor Mor, to officially open the tournament.

ICC Tournament Director Nick Frayne then addressed the players, officials, sponsors and supporters, "This is the very first time that the East Asia - Pacific region have held a regional tournament at Under 17's level, completing the pathway from Under 15's all the way to Senior Men's and Women's cricket."

"All players and officials should be proud of their achievement in being selected to represent their respective countries, and I'm sure you will approach this tournament in the wonderful spirit that we have come to expect throughout the East Asia - Pacific region, said Mr. Frayne.

The tournament begins on Tuesday 7th September with hosts Vanuatu taking on Fiji at Kazaa Field, while PNG will clash with Indonesia at Independence Park. All matches are 35 overs per team.