David will bring you regular updates from Papua-New Guinea. Based in Lae, his reports will at first have a Lae slant to them, but it is intended to gradually include news from as many Associations in PNG as possible. The competition, which will run for three rounds is planned to finish in April 2000. The LCA has approximately 200 players registered. Lae has a tropical climate, and the Lae Cricket Association's playing fields, located at the University of Technology and Igam Army Barracks in the city, provide lush green, picturesque settings for the games.
Pitches are synthetic for ease of maintenance.
A feature of the start to the season was a recent coaching clinic run by ex-Queensland and Australian player, Carl Rackemann, who provided coaching tips to young players. Wala has already produced fine batting and bowling performances for Ela Motors Hoods, last season's premiers, and Wiliiam Maha reports on Wala's whirlwind innings in the PNG win against Singapore in the Asian Cricket Youth Tournament in July this year. Lae and other associations face in PNG is getting gear at reasonable prices and accessing assistance. Balls used in A Grade are refurbished for use in B Grade by the same club.