By Casey O'Connor
The mixed Vanuatu team were narrow winners in Friday night’s rain affected game against the Dud Davis Cup team at Stanthorpe but despite the rain Vanuatu Cricket CEO Tim Cutler said he was pleased with the hit out.
Cutler, who was in the region for the game, said what pleased him most was the impact the Sporting Dreams and Seasonal Work program was having particularly on the women’s team. Eight members of the Vanuatu Women’s T20 World Cup team are currently in Australia as part of the program.
The Vanuatu women are just one tournament away from qualifying for the 2024 Women’s World Cup.
“This women’s team is inspiring women and girls to take up the sport and we now have 19 full time professional players,” he said.
“It was a very big thing for the Girls to beat PNG in their game of East Asia Pacific (EAP) qualifier. “Many people do not realise how popular Cricket is in PNG.
“They were ranked no 11 in the world standings.
“The girls then beat Japan in their final game”.
Cutler. who prior to his appointment in 2021 was CEO of Hng Hong cricket, was full of praise for the program Rod Prestia has put in place which he says is a word first.
“It allows men and women the freedom to continue their sporting dreams while putting themselves and their families in a better financial position,” he said.
“No longer is our domestic competition suffering because we are losing players to season work. “Rod’s contribution should not underestimated.”
He thanked Queensland Cricket and in particular the Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association for the support they have shown the Vanuatu players.
Rachel Andrew and Selena Solomon, who are among eight players currently working in Stanthorpe, were full of praise for the program that brought them to Stanthorpe.
In March they will play in the Global Qualifer in Dubai. From the pool of eight teams, two will qualify for the World Cup.
Andrew, 25, said she was enjoying the experience of playing in Stanthorpe.
“It is wonderful to be able to play on turf wickets something we do not have at home and tomorrow night we will play under lights for the very first time.”
Andrew , who opens the bowling and batting for the International team, has been playing cricket for around 11 years.
She and team mate Solomon have played the past three or four seasons in the Adelaide Premier League.
Soloman has also played cricket in England and Dubai.
The women said the Adelaide Premier League were keen to have them back this season however the opportunity to earn money and play cricket which is offered under the Icomply Sporting Dreams and Seasonal Work program was too inviting.
At home both work as Development officers for Vanuatu Cricket visiting schools and promoting the game in Vanuatu and the Outreach Islands.
The members of the Women’s International team play regularly in the Stanthorpe competition but rarely have the chance to play together in a team situation.
Friday night’s trial against the Davis Shield team was a great opportunity for the girls and they were joined by members of the Vanuatu Men’s team also in the region.
After the game the women’s team sent a message to those involved in setting up the match.
“On behalf of the Vanuatu women and men playing on Friday night, we would like to say a big thank you to all those involved at the Stanthorpe Cricket Association. In particular, Chris Haynes, Anthony Coup, Mark Lanza and Luke Brady, for organising the game,” the message read.
“They are such fantastic people, and we feel very grateful for the work they do at the Association, especially in welcoming and supporting the Vanuatu players.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for us, the Vanuatu players to play under lights for the first time, and we look forward to continuing this into the future.
“Also, thanks to Karren Lanza for looking after the players with a sausage sizzle and running the bar.
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Rod Prestia and the farms that support I Comply’s mantra of allowing seasonal workers to continue pursuing their sporting dreams. Without their continued support, none of this would be possible, so we are very grateful to you all as well.”
