Samoa names 18 man squad for World Cricket League
Monday, 6 August 2012
Some of the Samoan in training for their last international tournament
With less than six weeks to go before the start of World Cricket League Division 8 Samoa has named it's initial 18 man squad for the tournament.
The event, being held in Samoa's capital Apia, will be the first global event that the island nation has competed in after some impressive performances in recent East Asia Pacific regional events.
The biggest name in the squad is undoubtedly Murphy Sua. The former Blackcap and Auckland representative is player/coach of the team and has been putting the Auckland based Samoan players through their paces since March of this year.
Followers of Auckland's Premier cricket competition will also recognise the names of Eden Roskill batsmen Sean Cotter and Ben Mailata who will play key roles in the side, while Auckland University's Ian West, a Samoan passport holder, joins the squad for the first time, subject to his eligibility being confirmed by the ICC before the tournament begins.
Eden Roskill CC is further represented by Samoan based players Tiafala Alatasi, Naamanu Vaasili and Pritchard Pritchard, all of whom played for the club last season as part of a scholarship scheme between the Samoa Cricket Association and the club.
This initial Squad of 18 players will be reduced to 14 on August 15th exactly one month before the tournament gets underway.
Samoa squad for World Cricket League
Murphy Sua
Ben Mailata
Sean Cotter
Ian West
Sipiliano Tua
Daniel Burgess
Tiafala Alatasi
Winston Mariner
Fassao Mulivai
Geoff Clarke
Uala Taitoe Kaisara
Pritchard Pritchard
Naamanu Vaasili
Aleki Iasoni
Tumua Leato
Faavae Faaofo
Lautala Fuimaono
Palemia Fuimaono