PNG Players Turning Heads in Scotland
The Brian Bell Future Stars program is Cricket PNG's National Emerging player scholarship program and features Elite players from the PNG Hebou Barramundi's Squad and Emerging players squads being transplanted into Premier Elite competitions around the World.
Two future household names shone bright in Round 6 of the Scottish National Premier League on both Saturday and Sunday.
In freezing cold weather, much unlike Port Moresbby, two PNG players have shown the entire Scottish Cricket community that they are the "Real Deal."
Chris Kent (18) and Lega Siaka (17) are in Scotland until mid-September as part of their future Stars scholarship. Both boys are playing in the Scottish National Premier league, a competition that far exceeds the standard of club cricket in Papua New Guinea.
The clubs that the boys are contracted to have over 120 years history each in the Sport. With Scotland ranked 15th in the World the opportunity to play in this league has a very positive impact for these boys careers.
Chris is playing for Edinburgh based club Heriots, who last year finished Mid table. With Chris on board and consistently making runs with 4 scores already over 50 in first (1st) grade the club is winning matches and is in the Top 4.
Lega is playing with Scottish National Champions Grange who have six (6) National players in their line-up.
Lega has played a couple of games in the seconds and is now showing his way in the first (1st) grade side.
On Saturday Lega led the way for Grange 2XI and he scored 110 runs in a Premier League match to drive the Team to victory.
On Sunday having earnt a promotion into the strong Grange 1XI he scored 50 not out, kept wickets and took 3 catches and a stumping, in a 10 wicket Premier League Cup match thrashing. His performances have really turned heads.
On Saturday, Chris playing for Heriots 1XI scored 69 in rapid time in a Premier League match to drive a Heriots victory.
Then on Sunday opening the batting for Heriots 1XI he scored his fourth half century in 6 weeks with 58 in a tight Premier League Cup match defeat.
Both boys are using their time in the Scottish Premier League to prepare for the U/19 World Cup qualifier to be played in Ireland from July 27 to August 10. A top 6 finish for PNG out of 10 will see the Hebou Garramut's compete at the U/19 Cricket World Cup to be played in Australia in July 2012.
Chris and Lega's performances are critical to the Team's success.
Photo courtesy of David M Potter