PNG's Maharu Dai to play in New Zealand

By Tony Munro

Papua New Guinea (PNG) batsman Maharu Dai will spend the 2008-09 New Zealand season playing for the Christchurch-based Marist CC.

Dai, who also bowls left-arm spin, will play under Stuart McCullum, the father of New Zealand wicketkeeper, Brendon McCullum.

Meanwhile, four of PNG's more promising youngsters will spend the Australian summer playing in the Townsville (North Queensland) competition.

Assad Vala (Wanderers CC), Willie Gavera (Wanderers CC), Kapena Arua (Western CC) and Joel Tom (Western CC), all from Port Moresby, are being groomed for the national team.

Right-hand opening batsman, Vani Vagi Morea, and left-arm swing bowler, Jacob Mado, will be returning to PNG after successful seasons with Nightcliff CC in Australia's Northern Territory Cricket Association competition in Darwin. The pair helped their club into the finals and also won the Twenty20 Cup.