WACA host Vanuatu Development Officer
Promising 17 year old Vanuatu all rounder Andrew Mansale is currently in Perth en route to representing the ICC East Asia - Pacific (EAP) Team in the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Mandurah, Western Australia from 3-15 January
Promising 17 year old Vanuatu all rounder Andrew Mansale is currently in Perth en route to representing the ICC East Asia - Pacific (EAP) Team in the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Mandurah, Western Australia from 3-15 January.
Andrew, who hails from Mele Village 25kms outside Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, is living with three Cricket Officers from the WACA during his stay in a development initiative jointly coordinated by the Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA), ICC EAP regional office and the Vanuatu Cricket Association (VCA).
After spending two weeks at the EAP Training Camp at the Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, Andrew arrived in Perth in November to spend time with WACA Cricket Officers helping out with school clinics and coach education activities, developing office administration skills and even working with the Turf Department. He will also be involved in the emerging Warriors program in Bunbury as well as in the organisation of on ground entertainment during the Perth Test Match (16-20 December).
"Working closely with WACA staff has allowed Andrew an invaluable personal development opportunity" commented ICC EAP Development Officer Martin Gleeson "He has been able to further his knowledge of the game, improve his coaching skills and has gained experience that he can take home and use in his current Cricket Development Officer position with the Vanuatu Cricket Association."
From a playing perspective, Andrew has joined Balcatta Cricket Club in the Suburban Turf Cricket Association. He is currently playing in second grade and the Colts (U19) and is getting plenty of valuable time in the middle batting at number four and bowling off spin. He has some very promising performances with both bat and ball thus far including taking a classic catch in his first game and steering his Colts team to victory with the fine double of 2 for 18 off 8 overs and 31no as well as rescuing his side from 5 for 60 with a courageous 59no to secure another victory.