MCC tourists head for Fiji & Samoa
Date released: 6 October 2008
Fiji and Samoa may be best known for the great rugby players they produce, but MCC is hoping to find some cricketing talent in the South Pacific when a touring party lands in Apia in the early hours of Tuesday 7 October for a two week trip.
The touring party convene in the Pavilion at Lord's MCC last visited Fiji in 2003 but it is the first time members from the world’s most famous cricket club have toured Samoa. The 14-man squad will play six matches and conduct coaching sessions in Suva, Fiji.
The MCC side takes on a Samoan XI in three 50-over games at the Garden Ovals in Tuanaimato on Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 October.
They then decamp to Suva to play Fiji in three 50-over matches at Albert Park on Friday 17, Saturday 18 and Monday 20 October.
Legacy
As always with an MCC tour, the Club will be aiming to leave behind a firm legacy in the two countries being visited.
MCC works closely with the ICC to identify countries which would reap great benefits from touring sides’ visits and both leave grants to contribute towards ensure the development of facilities and coaching programmes in future years.
MCC will donate US$2,500 to both the Fijian and Samoan cricket associations and the ICC will give US$1,250 to each country. In addition, the players will run coaching sessions for Fijian cricketers in Suva on 16th October.
Stayt: Has endured a frustrating season Amongst the MCC tourists passing on their tips will be Glamorgan’s Mike Powell, Gloucestershire’s Tom Stayt and Worcestershire’s Josh Knappett.
Stayt, who has endured an injury-prone year, is looking forward to his first MCC tour: "Having been out injured for long periods, it was frustrating to end the season fully fit and still raring to go.
"This MCC tour gives me a great opportunity to keep my momentum going as I look to impress the coaching team at Gloucestershire ahead of next season.
"I am grateful for the chance to tour with MCC and will be competing hard in Fiji and Samoa."
Out to inspire
Bob Baxter, a ten-time tourist for MCC who will manage the tour said: "This tour gives us a wonderful opportunity to represent the Club both in the quality of our play but also in the way we conduct ourselves.
Stephenson: Expecting a good test "We’re looking forward to some good competitive cricket, played in the right spirit."
John Stephenson, Head of Cricket at MCC said: "MCC is committed to developing cricket across the globe and we consider this to be a great opportunity to provide some good opposition, as well as coaching, to these South Pacific sides.
"When MCC toured Fiji in 2003 we were very impressed with the organisation, enthusiasm and ability of the cricketing fraternity there, and I expect our tourists this time round to be well-tested.
"In Samoa we hope to inspire more of the local population to take up the game."
Fiji hold Associate and Samoa Affiliate Membership of ICC. Both sides competed in the 2007 South Pacific Games cricket tournament, Fiji finishing second and Samoa third.
