As another year comes ever closer to finishing its time to look back at how PNG cricket fared in 2015. A whirlwind year that flew by and defiantly had its ups and downs. First and foremost a massive congratulations must go out to everyone involved in cricket PNG for another smooth and wonderful year for cricket in Papua New Guinea. To the administration, the coaches, volunteers and most importantly thank you for all your hard work!
Were do we start with so much happening this past year its hard to find a particular start point to kick off this year in review. The year has been somewhat of a disappointing on with a number of setbacks compared to previous seasons, however it was not all doom and gloom with a number of spectacular achievements as well. I spouse it is probably best to get the setbacks out of the way first and foremost to finish on a high. The U19 Garramuts had a year to forget firstly losing to Fiji in the EAP qualifier which meant loss of automatic qualification. However there was still a chance of making it to the WC through the WCQ recharge tournament in Malaysia. The u19s though were totally outplayed and finished dead bottom of the tournament coping some brutal losses, this is a worrying sign for PNG cricket as the U19s of the past have been generally strong and will be the future of the national side. Im sure preparation and changes have been put in place to insure this does not happen in the future.
The Lewas (Womens national team) had a better year then most would have expected. A silver medal at the 2015 Pacific games came as a shock to most as the Lewas had been the dominate side throughout the tournament but a heartbreaking loss in the final to Samoa put all this to bed. However the lewas still had the T20 WCQ in Thailand to look forward to. The lewas finished 5th in this tournament but won the plate final insuring some silverware for the ladies. A famous victory of the Netherlands will long be remembered by those involved in the side. To top the year of the Lewas captain Norma Ovasuru was sign to the Brisbane Heat for the very first Rebel womens big bash league. With more and more girls playing cricket in 2015 and the lewas doing so well hopefully we will see a stronger Lewas side for 2016, where they have a WCQ.
The PNG "A" side (the Aces) had their first year of competitive competition. A series against the Australian u19 side in Brisbane saw the side claim a spectacular victory in the first T20 match. But the big series was yet to come the 2015 Pacific Games. PNG had always claimed gold at the games but with the Barramundis in Ireland this made this years tougher then ever. Strong victories over Tonga and New Colidonia made for good viewing, however Vanuatu where to strong and eventually the boys claimed silver. The A team is a fantastic indicative and will only prepare these boys for when they have to step up into the Barramundis.
Before I get into the Barramundies a point should be made. Amini park also received a face lift this year with the government funding a revamped ground for the Pacific Games. It has now been 2 years since the Barras claimed ODI status. But what do they have to show for it 2 lonesome ODIs against Hong Kong and a handful of T20I's which were due to the Icc WT20Q in Ireland. I feel there is more that needs to be done here. ODI status does not last forever in fact this time next year PNG will only have it for another further year. Of course the administration is working tirelessly to get Amini Park upto ODI standard but ive heard this wont be at least until August 2016. However for now Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville is providing the goods.
Now onto the Barramundies. It was defiantly a year of ups and downs for the boys. Well start with the T20Q in Ireland. PNG failed to qualify for the WC following 4 straight wins including a famous victory over Ireland, PNG then lost to the lesser likes of Namibia and the USA before a final winner takes all showdown against Afghanistan a difficult 6 wicket loss ended the hopes of the side and with the World T20 now moving to every 4 years it will be a long time before the Barramundis get there chance again. It was not all doom and gloom for the year however, we saw the Barras claim a famous outright victory against the Netherlands in their first 4 day match of the ICC Intercontinental Cup followed by a first innings win against Afghanistan. A 2-0 series victory over Nepal in the ICC WCL Championship insured the Barras received much needed points to take them to 5th on the ladder, following a 0-2 loss to the Netherlands earlier in the year. A strong SACA Premier League campaign was also the highlight of the year with PNG finishing 3rd overall in a tournament the featured only 2 day and 1 day cricket. Youngster Hiri Hiri and Australian based Chad Soper made there debuts for Papua New Guinea the latter proving to be ever reliable with the ball.
Over all it has defiantly been a busy year for PNG cricket and 2016 is proving to be the same. 9 PNG players will represent EAP at the ACCC starting next week. The Barramundis will face Ireland in a sterling test in townsville before meeting Kenya and Namibia later next year. The ladies have a WCQ to attend and there is always something happening on the domestic front. Notable mentions must go to Mahuru Dai, Assad Vala and Norman Vanua who were without a doubt the clear standouts for PNG this year.
Its been another privilege to follow you men and women on whats been another spectacular year and heres to many more. Thank you
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