A friendly cricket match between a combined Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) team and the Hanuabada community has highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between defence personnel and local communities in Port Moresby.
Played at Murray Barracks on Friday 24 July, the 20-over match was contested in a spirit of friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship. While Hanuabada claimed victory on the scoreboard, the community also benefited from a significant investment in local cricket development.
Following the match, the Australian Defence Advisor, Colonel Nicholas Trotter, presented Hanuabada Cricket Club with a new set of cricket equipment. The donation included cricket bats, protective equipment, a wicketkeeper’s kit, club bag, stumps, match balls, scoring books and umpiring materials, as well as playing shirts and hats.
Colonel Trotter said the match reflected the strong partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea and the important role sport plays in bringing communities together.
“This match was about more than just cricket. It was about teamwork, community and the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Whether on the field, through our defence cooperation, or in our support to local communities, we achieve more when we work together,” he stated.
“Hanuabada has a strong cricketing history and rich talent, with players from the community having gone on to represent Papua New Guinea as Barramundis. We congratulate Hanuabada on their victory and are delighted to contribute equipment that will help support the next generation of cricketers,” he said.
The equipment will support the continued growth of cricket within the Hanuabada community and provide opportunities for players of all ages to develop their skills and enjoy the game.
Hanuabada player Mr Billy Jack was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance and was presented with a new cricket bat by the PNGDF Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Lari Opa.
The day concluded with a barbecue lunch for players, support staff and Cricket PNG officials who officiated the match.
The event reinforced the strong partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea and demonstrated how sport can foster teamwork, mutual respect and community engagement.