Women’s cricket squads announced for the 2015 Pacific Games

The International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) office today announces the final women squads for the 2015 Pacific Games to be held in Port Moresby from the 6th -11th July 2015.

The teams competing in the tournament are Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Samoa. This is the first time that women’s cricket will be staged alongside men’s cricket at the Pacific Games.
 
The women’s competition will also be used as part of the qualifying process for the 2018 Women’s World T20, which means that the top two EAP teams will qualify for a tri-series against Japan next year.
 
“In its own right, participating in the Pacific Games is a real highlight for many Pacific athletes.  However, in Port Moresby the women’s cricketers will have even more at stake with the ICC partnering with the Pacific Games Council to make this event a part of the global qualifying pathway for the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 tournament” said the ICC’s Regional Development Manager East Asia-Pacific Kieran McMillan. “It is an exciting time for women’s cricket globally and the T20 format presents a real opportunity for developing cricket nations to make their mark on the world stage, particularly Pacific nations that are overflowing with players that have natural flair, power and aggression.”
 
McMillan added “ We expect a tough battle for the gold medal, as well as for the two qualifying spots on the road to what is one of the showpiece events in world cricket.”
 
The first round of matches will be played on Monday July 6th with the finals to be held on Saturday July 11th. All matches will be played at the Bisini Sports Complex and will be live scored with scores available through the EAP website.
 
SQUADS:
 
Cook Islands
 
Tereakama Kataina (C), Punanga Kaveao (VC), Mairi Kaukura (VC), June George, Punanga Kaveao (VC), Tina Mato, Bene Matapo, Phillica Maruariki, Lacynthia Rani, Terito Ine, Mirioni Rivaia, Maloku Mataora, Laupa Elikana, Sala Matapo.
 
Coach: Alister Stevic
 
Fiji
 
Alicia Zureen Dean (C), Marica Nira Vua (VC), Semaema Lewanivale Lomani, Ruci Kaiwai Muriyalo, Jimaima Bulatalei, Silipa Tikosaya Raratabu, Maca Tacola Vuruna, Luisa Vosaki Tawatatau, Vilimaina Salusalu Tuapati, Ilisapeci Vulisere Waqavakatoga, Loma Kacilala Batinibulu, Luanne Notina Rika, Mere Dainitoga, Adi Joana Sigaiwasa Lesianawai.
 
Coach: Joe Rika   
 
New Caledonia
 
Rose Siwa (C), Louise Wawine (VC),Ipahnue Kecine, Emma Malla, Andrea Kilama, Elise Kecine, Appolonie Mazeno, Rosina Angexetine, Sonia Kaudre, Jessica Wenevine, Louise Jeka, Jeannette Qaeze, Louise Wahmowe, Rowena Philippon.
 
Coach: Steeven Selefen
 
Papua New Guinea
 
Pauke Siaka (C), Tanya Ruma (VC),  Kaia Arua, Helen Buruka, Boni David, Veru Kila Frank, Kopi John, Mairi Tom, Varoi Igo Morea, Ravini Oa, Konio Oala, Norma Ovasuru, Brenda Hoi Tau, Hinamutawa Philip
 
Coach: Rodney Maha
 
Samoa
 
Regina Sela Monika Lili’i (C), Sinei Lily Mulivai (VC), Feala  Pula, Lelia Ane Bourne, Moelagi Jessie Tuilagi, Nathelie Victoria Tuilagi, Perelini Mulitalo, Matile Uliao, Marita Paulo, Lagi Otila Tele’a, Taofi Lafai, Eleni Vaaetasi, Meretiana Via Andrew, Taalili Iosefo
 
Coach: Ian West
 
Vanuatu
 
Marcelina Mete (C), Selina Solman (VC), Johanna Christelle Sokomanu, Leimauri Chilia, Mahina Tarimiala, Rachel Andrew, Ruth Avis Kaltongga, Jessica Chilia, Nasimana Navaika, Flora Nabanga, Valenta Langiatu, Serah Mansale, Judy Avok
 
Coach: Christopher Moran .