Japanese students bowl into Melbourne

Students from the Chuo University cricket program in Japan arrive in Melbourne tomorrow for four days of cricket activities as part of the University's biennial Australian cricket tour.

The Melbourne visit, organised in partnership with ICC East Asia - Pacific, Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia, will see 9 male and 13 female students - all enthusiastic university cricketers in Japan - involved in specialist cricket coaching, competitive matches, a `backyard' Aussie BBQ and a visit to the Japanese Consulate as part of their visit.

The highlight for the week will be the matches on Friday 3 March at Fawkner Park, Melbourne. The games, to be played in front of representatives from the Japanese Consulate-General, will see the Chuo University men go head-to-head with a team of Cricket Victoria Regional Cricket Managers whilst the Chuo University women play matches against the Cricket Victoria Bushettes and the Cricket Australia Angels, the women's staff teams from both organisations.

The games will start at 3pm with an Aussie style `backyard' BBQ at 7:30pm after the last game with the students encouraged to mix with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria staff and members of the Japanese Consulate in a cultural exchange synonymous with Australian sport.

"The tour will be a busy few cricket days for the students" commented EAP Development Officer, Martin Gleeson "The 2006 Australia-Japan Year of Exchange is a significant initiative and this tour is one of a number of cricket activities that will take place this year between the two countries."

Chuo University itinerary: