PNG Women Squads to be Announced
The women competing in the Open Women's competition of Port Moresby Cricket Association will be given their last chance to impress selectors and gain selection in the women's T20 Hebou Shield.
Teams will be announced on the 5th of March following the semifinals of POMCA women's competition.
The T20 Hebou Shield Woman's National Championship will be played over 17th/18th and 24/25th of March.
The Hebou Shield plays as selection trial for the Lewas (CPNG national women's team) who will be competing in the ICC East Asia-Pacific Qualifying tournament scheduled for mid-May in Vanuatu.
The Hebou shield will see four teams compete, one of which is a representative team from Central Province leaving three team spots for up for grabs within NCD. Two female players from Kimbe and two from Lae have also been nominated from local cricket associations and will also be competing in the Hebou Shield.
2011 was a disappointing year for the Lewas. After finishing 2nd at the last ICC EAP tournament in Japan 2010, the Lewas were left without international competition in 2011.
"A squad of 10 Lewas has spent the year training with very little to look forward too in 2011. It has been a very tough and frustrating time for them," said Peter Moide the National Women's Coach. "There time is very near now and I know they don't want a repeat of this scenario. They are training harder than ever to make sure they are ready for the tournament in Vanuatu," said Peter.
"It's been very frustrating. We have watched the boys travel and play cricket all over the world the last 19 months and we have been stuck at Amini Park training," said Varoi Morea one of the contacted Lewas who completed in Japan. "The only positive is that we are all determined to not let it happen again."
"Cricket PNG strongly supports our Lewas and believes in developing women's cricket at community level through to national level. We are extremely proud of our girls and believe their talent can take them to a World Cup," said Greg Campbell, General Manager of Cricket PNG.
Peter Anderson Men's National coach remitted Greg statement on his visit last week; as he was very impressed with their talent.