Fiji gears up for EAP U17 Cricket Trophy

Fiji coach Steve Jenkin believes that his U17 side will benefit from playing in the ICC EAP U17 Cricket Trophy.

The team will join hosts Vanuatu, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in the four-team round-robin tournament to be played from 7-11 September 2010.

Fiji held its U17 national tournament in May with teams from the Eastern conference (Lau Island group) and Western Conference (Main Island) taking part. From these tournaments, two all-star teams were selected which met in a three-game series in Suva. The Fiji U17 team was selected from this series and trial games set-up against Lautoka U19s, Suva U19s and the Suva women's team.

Jenkin said: "Cricket Fiji has not played an EAP U17 tournament till date. Six of our boys played in the ICC EAP U15 Cricket Trophy in Indonesia last year where we competed against the teams and found them to be very strong. Our team has improved now and we expect to do better in this event."

On current team strengths and weaknesses, he said: "Lack of playing opportunities at the EAP level and our age are major limitations. On the other hand, our positives are that we have a group of players who are keen to learn and advance their skills. Our strength also lies in our key players - captain Ebrahim Cassim, who is an all-rounder, and Metui Yalimaiwai."

Jenkin was optimistic on the growth of cricket in the country: "Cricket Fiji is going through a resurgence progressing from three associations to nine active associations presently. We have introduced U15, U17 and U19 national tournaments with teams representing all associations. Last year, we visited 11,000 school children in our development programmes to encourage youth to take up the game."

The full squad is as follows: Ebrahim Cassim, Naipolioni Gu, Suka Latu, Aminasi Tuitoga, Josefa Guana, Kelemedi Kaci, Manase Ravula, Metui Daucakacaka, Telemaitoga Niko Jokatama, Savenaca Vuetanavanua, Tomasi Cagi, Metuisela Yalimaiwai, Tuinasau Akaripa, Joji Veilawa

Reserves: Saimoni Matakali, Beitaki Mua, Vilame Sulusulu, Waqaniko Ledua