PNG Hebou Shield Season Launched

The Launching of the 2012 Hebou Shield was held on Saturday 2nd June 2012 at Port Moresby's Amini Park.

Present at the launching was a representative of each of the sponsors who have naming rights for one of the six men's franchise teams ? Air Niugini Jets, Brian Bell Bulldogs, BSP Hearts, Digara Diggers, Hebou Hammers & Monier Miners.

Each of the sponsors presented their playing uniforms to their respective captains for the 2012 Hebou Shield competition.

Deputy Chairman & Hebou Constructions General Manager, Mr. Mitch Lutschini was on hand to witness the launching which was attended by the franchise team sponsors and the media.

"Hebou Construction's is proud to be involved with Cricket PNG once again. This is an important event in the Cricket PNG calendar as this tournament provides an opportunity for players from different parts of the country to come together and play some competitive cricket. Also gives these players an opportunity to show what talent is hidden out there," said Deputy Chairman, Mr. Mitch Lutschini.

"I'd also like to thank all the team sponsors, Air Niugini, Brian Bell, BSP, Digara Constructions and Monier for being involved in this wonderful tournament once again."

The Hebou Shield is a revamped version of the national championship which boasts players from the Barramundis, Garamuts, Geckos as well as players from outside centres.

Now into its fourth year, the competition has been a real breeding ground for future Barramundis & Lewas players. The competition will also be used to finalise the squads for the Hebou Barramundis, Hebou Garamuts and the Gecko's who all have tournaments coming up in the next 6 ? 8 weeks.

All teams are evenly balanced with players comprised of the contracted players from the Hebou Barramundis, Hebou Garamuts and the Geckos as well as seasoned performers from Port Moresby, Madang, Alotau, Goroka and Central associations.

The championship will begin with 2 rounds of T20's and finals which will then be followed by 50 over matches where the six teams will be split into two pools of three.

The first game was played between newcomers Digara Diggers and Brian Bell Bulldogs where the latter won very easily.

All players that have been selected in the respective Hebou Shield teams will be given a chance to stamp their mark in the respective places up for grabs for the under 17 Gecko's (ICC EAP Championship ? August 2012), under 19 Hebou Garamuts (U/19 World Cup ? August 2012) and the Hebou Barramundis (Air Niugini Supa Series ? July 2012). Non-contracted players and players from the outside centres will also be given the chance to showcase their talent and try to grab the selector's attention.