East Asia-Pacific Under-19 talent heads to Queensland

Maroochydore Cricket Club on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast will be the next stop on the road to the Under-19 World Cup for Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Japan and Indonesia. From February 6 to 11 the club will host a 50-over round-robin tournament, with the top two teams earning a spot at the World Cup qualifiers to be held in Ireland later in the year.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity for the Australian public to witness some of the amazing International talent that other countries in our region are producing,” said ICC East Asia-Pacific Regional Development Manager Andrew Faichney.

“Preparation of the grounds began during October and the aim is to produce our customary first class pitches for all the ICC Trophy matches,” added Maroochydore club secretary Mike Burke.

Club President Mark Hall and Burke have had meetings with local Council and report that the whole region is honoured to play a part in making the occasion a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. “Make no mistake, ICC international teams & officials will all receive the world-renowned Sunshine Coast welcome,” said Burke.

The cricket club also has the challenge of feeding the teams on match days and Burke says his club has great experience in provided touring teams with quality food. “Maroochydore Cricket Club chef, Donna Boland, has been excitedly experimenting with dishes designed to please the diverse, multi-cultural palates of our upcoming guests,” he said.

The teams will also be playing a series of warm-up Twenty20 matches on February 4 at the Yandina Cricket Club.