PNG Lewas

Lewas selections based on form & performance

Despite being relatively new to the team, Drew did not shy away from making tough selection calls ahead of the team’s international tours. Drew said he chose the best players to give the team the best chance of winning in the tour matches.    

“Obviously we had to make some hard selections but the team we are taking away represents the best of what the Lewas has to offer,” said Drew.

Lewas Unveil Squad for Zimbabwe- UAE Tour

The PNG Lewas head Coach David Drew said, his side is made up of both experienced players and newbies.  Drew confirmed that he decided to include new players who excelled on the pitch instead of selecting players based on their reputation to give the team the best chance for success.

Lewas focus on Pacific Cup in New Zealand

The Lewas led by newly appointed captain, Brenda Tau are gearing up for a challenging tournament featuring New Zealand Māori, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

Departing captain, Kaia Arua who has steered the Lewas for seven years, hands over the leadership reins to Tau. Under Kaia's guidance, the Lewas achieved their highest T20I ranking, and she remains committed to contributing to the team's success.

Lewas Set for Pacific Cup in New Zealand

The Lewas, led by newly appointed captain Brenda Tau, will embark on a pre-tournament training camp in Napier, commencing their journey on January 6th before the official matches in Auckland.

Brenda Tau takes the reins from Kaia Arua, who led the Lewas with dedication for the past seven years, achieving Cricket PNG's highest T20 ranking. Arua will continue to contribute on the field, supporting Brenda in her leadership role.

PNG Lewas embarks on Cricket Challenge

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner Dr. Joanne Loundes hosted a morning tea to bid farewell the PNG Lewas team as they embark on their journey to compete in the Women's Pacific Island Cricket Challenge in Fiji.

Dr. Loundes said the High Commission was privileged to hear from Lewas Captain Kaia Arua-Boe about her experiences as an elite female athlete on the world stage.

The tournament, which will run from 11-18 March, is partially funded by Defence Australia.

PNG a rising force in women's cricket as Lewas hone skills in Australia's Country Championships

The Lewas, as the national side are called, are known for their uniquely exciting playing style. 

Coach Kath Hemptenstall says the team, which includes seven mothers, has overcome significant hurdles simply to play.

"We've just got the one turf wicket in the whole country and a couple of turf nets," Hemptenstall says.

"It rains for four months of the year and we don't have any indoor facilities as well.

"When you take all that into consideration, it's pretty impressive that both our men's and women's sides have got to where they have."

 

Lewas return to international cricket

The players were all eager to take the field again and represent PNG, with three players in Hollan Doriga, Melanie Ani and Kevau Frank all partaking in their first touring experience.

Although the goal of the tour was to make a long awaited return to tournament cricket and dust off a few cobwebs that had built up over the course of the past two years, the team’s performance was able to be matched against some strong opposition that featured players that have played in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Lewas back overseas

The tournament started on Apr 5 to the 12 and held in Albury Wodonga, New South Wales.

The Lewas have not played international cricket for the past two and half years due the COVID-19 pandemic and are now relishing the opportunity.

The Lewas are competing against women’s teams from New South Wales Country, Cricket ACT and Queensland Country in both T20 and 50-overs format.

Lewas Plan B

According to Cricket PNG’s General Manager, Tony Naidu, they are now looking at other options adding they are now in the process of organizing alternative tournaments in Australia and the Pacific shortly, for the Lewas.

Naidu said the Lewas will regroup mid for training and if all goes well, they be traveling by early January, 2022.

While there’s no women’s world cup next, there’s already ongoing meetings with ICC and Cricket Australia, including government officials to get the girls to Australia early next year for some high level tournaments.

Everyday People: Meiling Choong

Strength and conditioning within PNG itself is a very new concept. For the [cricket] players, it’s definitely brought up their standard and it has no doubt changed the game.

Being the first woman appointed to coach an international men’s cricket team (in the S&C department), I have certainly developed a love for this sport science.

Initially coaching the Lewas, I have now been in the role for three years and am part of the support team for the PNG Barramundis.