PNG cricketers show passion and skills

The Chronicle

( from left ) Charles Amini, Norman Vanua, Peter Anderson (coach), and Toua Tom from Papua New Guinea cricket team . Photo Nev Madsen / The Chronicle Nev Madsen

TOOWOOMBA cricketers got a special treat Sunday when Peter Anderson and his team of Papua New Guinean cricketers rolled into town for their first representative game in the Garden City.   

And according to Mr Anderson, we might well be seeing a bit more of them now they are playing as part of the Webb Shield series for the first time.  

 He said the entire team grew up in circumstances fairly unimaginable to most of us pampered Aussies and their enthusiasm was an inspiration.  

 And if local cricket enthusiasts get a chance to see the team in action, he recommends they take it.

"Nearly all of these players came from the same village in PNG, a third world country where 20 of them will live in a little hut," Mr Anderson said.
"They're a fantastic, well-mannered and humble group of people and they have so much passion.
"They just love the game and I don't over-coach them.
"There are three or four who are easily world-class."
He said the enthusiastic group has been following a gruelling schedule and in the past week have played two 50-over games, two T-20 matches, completed a two-hour fielding session with the International Cricket Council, a club game on Saturday and then on to Toowoomba Sunday.
Monday you'll find the team in Burleigh Heads playing yet another match, but Mr Anderson said they would be slotting in some time to relax in the surf.
To find out more about the fast-growing world of PNG cricket see cricketpng.com.