CPNG names first U19 national women’s train-on squad

By ROBINSON LEKA
CRICKET Papua New Guinea named the first Under-19 national women’s train-on squad on Sunday following the end of its inaugural U19 Village World Cup tournament at Amini Park in Port Moresby.
Team selector Udu Vai named the squad of 18 players.
The team will compete in the U19 Women’s World Cup Asia-Pacific qualifiers which are scheduled to take place in Bali, Indonesia, in July.
“We had 50 players from the associations gather in Port Moresby over the weekend,” Vai said.
“The selection process involved not only what they could do on the field, but their attitude too.
“There are many raw talents.
“If they have potential, those are the ones we are looking for.
“The job now for our coaches is to help those prospects become better players.
“It’s the first time for our junior women, so it’s not really about who the best is. It is about how each player has applied themselves on and off the field all tournament.
“The tournament is in July, so we’ve about three months to get the players ready at least a month out from the qualifiers.”
Vai said the squad would be trimmed to 14 players with four women to remain in the country as non-travelling reserves.
Squad: Hane Lohia, Brenda Elly, Melanie Ani, Margaret Wari, Annagrace Vala, Uve Noka, Buruka Vicky, Boio Vare (Port Moresby), Karo Veari, Helai Vakona, Initia Vagi, Cathy Ute (Central), Imelda Vaburi (Porebada), Dika Lohia, Mahuta Japheth, Apera Ebi (Pari), Shanella Ambo (Popondetta), Dune Alex (Alotau).