Tonga and Vanuatu prepare for Crompton Cup
Tony Munro - 20 March 1999

Tonga and Vanuatu will both field national teams at the Crompton Cup, while an Australian team Gingarre, makes up the overseas contingent. The Vanuatuan team will not strictly speaking be their best, in order to give some youngsters exposure.

For the record, the first Tongan national team since cricket's reformation in 1995, is: Selusalema Vite (Captain) (Tu'ilokomana Club), 'Etuate Latu (Coach and Wicket-Keeper), Kapetaua 'Uha (Tu'ilokomana), Paelata Vailea (Mapuhoi 'a Tevolo), Sione Katoa (Mapuhoi 'a Tevolo), Faka'osi Noa (Kolonga Barbarians), Paea Noa (Kolonga Barbarians), Sione Tafuna (Ha'amonga), Sione Holi (Marist), Tatifi Kivalu (South City), Tevita Hanisi (Vaiko 'Oa), Sepa Fakas'I'eiki ('Ikale), Soloni Helu (Ikale), Mafi Langi (Kaha'uola).

Even at this late stage, the Tonga Cricket Association is still fund-raising to afford the trip to Fiji. Lack of funds for overseas tours remains a major obstacle and the TCA would be extremely grateful for visits from overseas club teams.

The regular season continues until June, when the TCA hopes to field its national first, second and development elevens against visiting teams. If you are interested in visiting Tonga, please call TCA President, Mr. Siale Ataonga Puloka, on +676 25345 (h), 23066 (w), 26011 (fax).

In the local competition, Tu'ilokomana is undefeated after three rounds, while defending premier, Ha'amonga has lost one match, to 'Ikale. There are 18 club teams in Tonga.