PNG prepares to defend EAP Women's Trophy title

Papua New Guinea Women's coach Eddie Tamarua said that his team respects its opponents greatly but will put up a challenge any day to defend its ICC EAP Women's Cricket Trophy title.

PNG are currently the title-holders after defeating Japan as hosts in 2006.

The tournament will see three women's teams taking part in the 50-over contest - hosts Japan, Papua New Guinea and Samoa - with the first match to be played from 3 May 2010.

Each team will play one match against the other to determine table positions, with the first-placed team taking on the winner of the contest between the second the third-placed teams on 7 May.

Cricket PNG began its training early this year with a squad of 55 local Port Moresby-based players. It then ran talent clinics in several provinces to identify new talent. A Women's Central Challenge Cup was also held where 25 villages competed. PNG's best players also competed in a Women's Battle of the Codes and a Women's Corporate Challenge where 16 teams competed in a round-robin format.

Tamarua said: "Our team displays a terrific PNG spirit which is evident in our team effort. We are currently the title-holders and will take each game at a time to win the tournament."

"We respect our opponents greatly and will work to minimise their opportunity and our mistakes. We have a deep respect for Japan and Samoa and will play the game in the Spirit it is meant to be played - PNG style," he added.