East Asia-Pacific News Archive

Tonga takes Pacifica Cup preparations down under

April 26, 2001

In preparation for their assault on the Pacifica Cup 2001 to be staged in Auckland in February, the Tongan National Cricket Team toured Australia from the 8th to the 16th of November. The team, lead by Tongan Cricket Association President, and Team Manager Siale Puloka, played four matches during their stay in the Victoria seaside city of Geelong. Three of the matches were played on turf, two at the Geelong Cricket Ground and one at the Geelong Grammer. As cricket in Tonga is played on hard wickets, the quality of the pitches and grounds was certainly a highlight for the tourists.

The first game of the tour was played against a Barwon Zone Invitational XI. Following a long flight from Tonga, the players struggled to adjust to Australian conditions and were soundly beaten, 238 to 93. Captain Selusalema Vite, obviously in good form after a one month stint at the Australian Institute of Sport Cricket Academy, was the best performed Tongan player on the day picking up 3 for 51. Game two against local club Newtown and Chilwell saw a much improved effort from the Tongans. Several local supporters witnessed a fantastic fielding display including a sensational stumping from 54 year old keeper Etuate Latu off medium pace bowler Sione Katoa. After struggling to 8 for 150, Newtown and Chilwell recovered to 9 for 211 off their 45 overs with Katoa and Vite both picking up 3 wickets for the Tongans. Despite the best efforts of Vite (32*) and Totoa Pohahau (43) the tourists could only manage 7/116 in reply, but improvement was shown from the previous day's batting display.

After two difficult games, the team received a well earned rest over the weekend and were able to take in some of Melbourne's main tourist attractions. Saturday saw a visit to both the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Australian Gallery of Sport. While in Melbourne, the players and officials were hosted by the local Tongan community, and were therefore able to spend Sunday – in traditional Tongan manner style – at church. A Sunday feast was then followed by a quick visit to Punt Rd Oval, where the Victoria Bushrangers were battling the Southern Redbacks in a domestic one day match, before the team headed back to Geelong.

Revitalised from their weekend activities the tourists played the Geelong Cricket Club on Monday. Although being defeated by five wickets, the team's development was evident, especially with the ball. Opening bowler Mafi Langi was rewarded for his consistency throughout the tour with a return of 3 for 36. Captain Vite top scored again with 30.

The final game of the tour was played at the picturesque Geelong Grammar, and the Tongans spectacular batting was befitting of the surroundings. The tourists made 5 for 154, the highest score ever by a Tongan National side. Big hitting Pohahou belted 64 and Vite capped off a terrific tour by making 40. Unfortunately for both the players and officials, the Grammar XI secured victory with only one wicket remaining. Langi was the again the stand out performer taking 6 for 64.

Although the Tongans couldn't manage a victory on tour, the player's progress with both bat and ball over the four games was obvious. The team requires a little more consistency, especially in the field, but with proven players like Vite, Pohahou and Langi leading from the front, Tonga could be a force throughout the Pacific in the near future. There is also no doubt that with this hard competition under their belt, the side will be match hardened and ready to take on the likes of Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu in the Pacifica Cup. Gook luck Tonga.

Prepared by Tim Anderson

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