Fiji Name Strong Women's Squad

The Fijian Women's national team has got some big challenges looming large when they travel to Vanuatu in May to participate in 2012 ICC East Asia-Pacific Women's Championship.

Waiting in the wings are Japan who participated in the 2011 Women's World Cup Qualifiers and the cricket powerhouse of the Pacific Region that is PNG.

They will both prove to be, along with Samoa, Cook Islands and Vanuatu very strong challenges to the Fijian women.

Last year the Fiji Viti Ruve travelled to Vanuatu for an unofficial tri- nations T20 tournament with an Australian composite team and Vanuatu, during which they lost only one match during the week long tournament. They then played a one off 50 over match against Vanuatu Woman, which Fiji won convincingly.

Preparation for the EAP tournament started on Friday when Cricket Fiji announced a 28 strong training squad that includes 3 overseas based players. The Squad will train with set plans and programs issued to each selected player, over the coming months both together and back in their respective regions. There will also be a number of trial matches leading up to the tour from which the final 14 players will be selected to represent Fiji.

Cricket Fiji HPM Steve Jenkin says "this is an important international women's tournament that Fiji will be attending in May. Women's Cricket is very important to the World Governing Body, the International Cricket Council and they continue to grow the Women's game globally. Cricket is a game for all, not just men."

On the Squad selected, Jenkin went on to add, "The selectors believe that we have chosen the best 28 players in Fiji and competition for places should be high, which is want you want as a coach and a selector."

Cricket Fiji Development Officer Ruci Kaiwai, who was named player of the tournament at the 2012 Championships which ended Friday, will be the assistant coach to the squad as she is expecting a child and will be unable to travel to Vanuatu.

The squad is Silipa Tawatatau, Michelle Inoke, Marica Vua, Anamaria Naimasi, Sera Nabuka, Ana Tuapati (Suva Flames), Semaema Raramasi, Lanieta Benuci, Makelesi Mada, Makereta Tuidraki, Raijeili Nasa, Makerata Daiwai (Nadi Jets), Lauanne Rika, Marica Ratuki, Franky Varea, Sura Tokasa, Joana Lesianawai, Anna Madala, Tieri Fatiaki (Suva Diamonds), Elonoa Suvewa, Sera Shaw (Lautoka Canes), Mereia Tilau, Miriame Talataoka, Diana Vakalomloma, Luisa Vosaki, Vilimaina Tuapati, Sekoula Leba (Moce Islanders) and Alicia Dean(South Australia)

Dean, Shaw and Raramasi are the overseas based players.