Mansale to Captain EAP at ACCC

Vanuatu's Andrew Mansale has been given the honour of captaining the East Asia-Pacific team that will compete at the 2012 Australian Country Cricket Championships in Geelong beginning on New Year's Day.

He will be well supported by PNG keeper/batsman Jack Vare who will be vice-captain for the tournament.

This will be the third time that Mansale has led the EAP team into the event and he says it is a privilege that he never takes for granted.

"I am very proud to once again be given this opportunity especially considering that this is probably the strongest team we have had for many years," said Mansale. "I wasn?t sure if I would get it this year because the team contains so many great leaders from around the region so it was a great surprise."

EAP coach Tom Evans is confident that Mansale?s combination of youth and experience will see him once again fill the role with much success.

"Andrew is a very good young leader for our EAP side," said Evans. "He is very aware of what is required to be successful at the ACCC, now having played 35 games, the most games of any EAP player."

In team news PNG young gun Chris Kent will no longer be available for the event as he has been selected to represent the ACT at the Australian Under 19 Championships.

"Chris is a very talented young player, it will be a fantastic opportunity for him to compete against the best young players in Australia," said Evans. "Although he will be missed in the EAP team he has done very well to force his way into the ACT U19 side, we wish him and the side all the best."

Kent will be replaced in the team by fellow countryman Vani Vagi Morea.

The EAP's first match will be against the Northern Territory on 1st January 2012.