Vanuatu name pre-squad

Vanuatu Cricket has announced a provisional 32 man pre-squad for the Digicel Vanuatu Senior Men's Team that will be competing in the World Cricket League Division 8 Tournament to be held in Samoa in September this year.

The 32 man pre-squad for the Digicel Vanuatu Senior Men's Team will have their fitness test at 4.30pm on Tuesday 7 February at Independence Park and are encouraged to make every effort to attend. This will officially mark the start of their quest to make the final 14 travelling squad.

The announcement also marks the commencement of the ANZ High Performance Program which involves both cricket specific skills and fitness and conditioning which is provided by Fitness Coach, Brett Wright of Powerhouse Performance.

"The increase in the number of players in the pre-squad is a testament to the growth of young players that have graduated from U-19s and in some cases U-17s level. This will provide healthy competition for the older and established national reps and hopefully keep them on their toes," said the interim National Coach, Patrick Haines.

The General Manager of Vanuatu Cricket, Pierre Chilia went on to say "Like last year, we have a busy schedule of international tournaments coming up this year with us hosting a Women's Tournament in May, U-16s going to New Caledonia for their Provincial Games in July, the U-17s going to their regional tournament in Fiji in August and then the Senior Men's going to Samoa in September."

Vanuatu Cricket wishes to thank Digicel and ANZ for their continued support of the National Teams and the High Performance Program respectively.

"It is tremendous to see this sort of support not only from Digicel and ANZ, but also our other sponsors that support our various programs under the Development Program which ensures that the growth of cricket players continues," said Vanuatu Cricket President, Mark Stafford.

In other developments, Vanuatu Cricket will be finalising the recruitment of a new High Performance/Development Coordinator in the coming months to take over the role left vacant after the departure of Mark Coles.

"We are eager to get this vital position filled and underway before the end of March to ensure that they have enough time to prepare our various squads," said Mark Stafford. In the meantime, the Digicel National Teams will be coached by various local players and coaches.

32 man pre-squad

Andrew Mansale (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Patrick Matautaava (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Trevor Langa (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Jelany Chilia (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Callum Rhodes (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Tommy Tastuki (Coconut Palms Resort Mele Bulls)
Simpson Obed (Bred Malapoa College)
Shem Sala (Bred Malapoa College)
McDonald Obed (Bred Malapoa College)
Jaxies Samuel (Bred Malapoa College)
Selwyn Garae (Bred Malapoa College)
Damian Smith (Paama Sharks)
Jono Dunn (Paama Sharks/Newcastle)
Aby John (Paama Sharks)
Apo Stevens (Paama Sharks)
Lazaro Carlot (Paama Sharks)
Callum Blake (Paama Sharks)
Lenica Natapei (Tafea Sandalwood)
Manu Nimoho (Tafea Sandalwood)
Kenny Tari (APT Dolphins)
Steven Lynch (APT Dolphins)
Kendy Kenneth (APT Dolphins)
Joshua Rasu (APT Dolphins)
Kaluwin Bangalini(APT Dolphins)
Ross Fraser (APT Dolphins)
Fred Timakata (APT Dolphins)
Samson Kalworai (Ifira Black Bird)
Johnniel Willy (Ifira Black Bird)
Niko Unavalu (Ifira Black Bird)
Nalin Nipiko (Ifira Black Bird)
Ronald Tari (Tusker North Efate)
Eddie Mansale (Tusker North Efate)