Last chance to impress Samoan cricket selectors

The 2012 Apia Men's Cricket Championships is set to begin with a bang this coming Saturday at the home of Samoan cricket, the Tuanaimato Garden Ovals.

This exciting competition, which is hosted by the Samoa International Cricket Association (SICA), will see a fast paced 20 over per side format which will ensure some big hitting and plenty of entertainment.

Games are set to commence at 1.30pm on Saturday, with the competition running over eight weeks.

The competition currently comprises seven confirmed teams with registrations closing at 5pm on Thursday.

Reigning champions the Wanderers will be hard to beat this year with the inclusion of English Medium Paced bowler Ian West. The Phantoms, lead by national captain Geoff Clarke will be another team to watch with the inclusion of talented Opening Batsman Daniel Burgess.

Joining the Phantoms in the battle to take the Apia Concrete Product Trophy off the Wanderers will be the seasoned Fagaloa Sunshine, Vailele Punialava?a, and three new teams ? The Sharks, Pata-Falelatai and Lefaga-Faleseela.

Members of the current National squad will be bolstering the ranks for a number of these teams, which will see some exciting contests across the four ovals.

"This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for everyone, especially those not already in the National Training squad. They have the opportunity to put their hand up for selection in the final National Training squad which is to be finalised at the end of the month. The National team will then compete in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division Eight in September," said Samoan Captain Geoff Clarke.