New Zealand Croatia Cricket's third international tour broke new ground for the club on and off the field.
On a chilly spring September morning we departed Auckland International Airport for a week of 31 degrees - which many sladoleds later we would gratefully learn was the cool season in Apia - to encounter our toughest opponents yet.
On a chilly spring September morning we departed Auckland International Airport for a week of 31 degrees - which many sladoleds later we would gratefully learn was the cool season in Apia - to encounter our toughest opponents yet.
A short, sharp tour of Samoa with a busy itinerary of T20 and 50 over cricket against top sides in unfamiliar conditions would be far more than a gentle summer warm-up for the active players in our club: it would be a taste of proper touring. Bonding as a team in a short time frame, adjusting to our new environment and climate and working out unfamiliar opponents and the quirks of an artificial pitch that harboured a couple of surprises if the ball was put on a certain length.
Several of our players hadn't met each other before and it was a pleasure to reacquaint ourselves with our youngster Danyn Stewart [below] who flew in from Brisbane to join us.
Several of our players hadn't met each other before and it was a pleasure to reacquaint ourselves with our youngster Danyn Stewart [below] who flew in from Brisbane to join us.
The club has previously played against Danyn, as well as with him, while he was in the Northern Maori side in our early days as a club. We also had the great privilege of Reece Young [below left] finally getting his "NZ Croatia" citizenship after a long apprenticeship with Suburbs New Lynn CC resulting in Youngy already being fluent in the lingo.
Croatian on his mum's side, Danyn had represented the our club previously, but it was a first cap (handed out in a highly emotional ceremony led by Dan Marsic) for the O'Brien brothers Christy [above right] and Rory - Christy it was an honour to celebrate your birthday on multiple occasions across this tour, we hope you enjoyed the cake, and the shoutout from the Air New Zealand crew, it must have felt like your birthday every single day?
After our cap ceremony held in the fale of the Samoa Tradition Resort, it was into the van and down to the HQ of the Samoa International Cricket Association to a warm welcome and BBQ feast, new friends and wonderful hospitality awaiting us.
Unfortunately we had got a little carried away with our empassioned speeches in our fale ceremony and, after a couple of wrong turns trying to navigate our way to the club in the evening darkness, we went down in history as not only being the fastest team to adopt Island Time but the first to even keep the Island locals waiting!
Thankfully our hosts were charmed by our eagerness to adopt the local customs and it was a genuine pleasure for us to finally meet in person Stella, Geoffrey and all the people that make Samoa International Cricket tick over an outdoor BBQ on a balmy evening by the field.
Thankfully our hosts were charmed by our eagerness to adopt the local customs and it was a genuine pleasure for us to finally meet in person Stella, Geoffrey and all the people that make Samoa International Cricket tick over an outdoor BBQ on a balmy evening by the field.
We knew going over to Samoa that we would be expecting a "step up" from the cricket on our previous two tours of the Cook Islands where the focus was much more on development at the broad community level. The Samoa men's and women's sides meanwhile were coming off strong performances in the huge Pacific Games - where Samoa's women won gold. There would be no easy cricket over the forthcoming week as we were treated to a display of skill and athleticism and some very good, tense games of cricket!
First up was a Samoa Women's XI including a number of the international side (others already in New Zealand getting ready for our club and rep season), the focus for this match was acclimatising and also assisting the opposition players, former Test BLACKCAP Reece Young for example leading a wicketkeeping drills session after the match.
The match was a morning T20 and this would be out first experience of playing on the number one ground at Tuanaimato Sports Complex, the main home of cricket on the island of Upolu with a stunning backdrop of rainforested hills and a historic church.
The match was a morning T20 and this would be out first experience of playing on the number one ground at Tuanaimato Sports Complex, the main home of cricket on the island of Upolu with a stunning backdrop of rainforested hills and a historic church.
The first three matches were also to be noted for not everyone among the opposition speaking English, so communicating with an interpreter was sometimes necessary. Playing the senior men was a different story.
With Daniel Marsic making his NZ Croatia captaincy debut in this match, we agreed to bat first and put a total of 221 on the tins. All our braca got a start with first drop James Banicevich leading the way with 36 off 23 before Christy O'Brien (33 off 21) and NZ Indoor rep Stacy Hyndman (65 off 22, below) took control with some spirited boundary hunting in the latter half of our innings.
With Daniel Marsic making his NZ Croatia captaincy debut in this match, we agreed to bat first and put a total of 221 on the tins. All our braca got a start with first drop James Banicevich leading the way with 36 off 23 before Christy O'Brien (33 off 21) and NZ Indoor rep Stacy Hyndman (65 off 22, below) took control with some spirited boundary hunting in the latter half of our innings.
It was immediately evident that this was a very good women's side and no surprise that they got the gold at the recent Pacific Games given the skills and athleticism shown in this match with bat, ball and in the field. Also turning heads was Reece Young [below] with the former wicketkeeper showing his skills with the ball - a surprise package, having been a seamer in his youth, he took 2-1 off an over of leg-spin!
Unfortunatey Reece had earlier been snipered by a hamstring playing a cover drive: but in true Croatian style he never left the park and battled on through the tour; all those years at Suburbs New Lynn among our braca had clearly rubbed off.
Christy O'Brien [below] was meanwhile our designated keeper and soon took the first of his many grabs on tour, and a stumping off Ryan Majstrovic.
Christy O'Brien [below] was meanwhile our designated keeper and soon took the first of his many grabs on tour, and a stumping off Ryan Majstrovic.
After dismissing Samoa Women inside the allotted overs, we invited Samoa Women to keep batting through and then broke into a two-hour coaching session led by Reece, Dan Marsic, Christy and Hayden Robinson who are all NZC certified coaches, providing drills, observations and a net in the late afternoon heat. Two key areas had been identified accessing different areas of the ground while batting and wicketkeeping skills work and it was a pleasure to see the enthusiasm from talented sportswomen eager to become the best they can be.
Back at the resort there was time for a cold shower and refreshments before the team was treated to the resort's famous Thursday evening Fiafia Night ("happy nite") - an 'ava (kava) ceremony welcoming the guests ahead of an island-styles buffet dinner and the best traditional dancing show on the island, complete with a number of breath-taking fire dances. Our thanks to Terence the resort compere and the very impressive performers, it was certainly evident just why you are champions in your field!
Friday saw our first T20 doubleheader day with matches against the Samoa Under-19 men's team followed by Vailele, the champion club side on the island. Vailele, a village close to the hub of Apia, means "fast flowing waters" and we would again be very impressed by the disciplined skills and non-stop athleticism in the field on display.
The Under-19s meanwhile showed what great development work is going on in Samoa with some very young players in their side. It would be our first look on tour at Lester Evile, who captained the U19s and quickly showed himself to be a standout young left-arm spinner who would prove a challenge throughout the later series against Samoa Men - a useful T20 asset.
We were still acclimatising and a little rusty in the field with all bar Danyn (Australia) and Josh Fisher (UK off season) coming straight out of a New Zealand winter and preseason indoor training. Again it was very hot (for us!) and humid through the day - 30 or 31 degrees before the wind picked up and the cloud cover arrived in the late afternoon.
The Under 19s had worked out a plan around the good lengths to bowl which saw them make early in-roads and tested the NZ Croatia top order. Samoa U19 had won the toss and elected to bowl, quickly exploiting some predominant uneven bounce and rumours of a ridged crack in the concrete underneath the artificial surface. The odd ball could keep very low or shoot up to shoulder height or higher, but regardless it was clear the U19 bowlers certainly had the skills to exploit it. They backed it up with their dynamic energy in the field, and great arms.
We were still acclimatising and a little rusty in the field with all bar Danyn (Australia) and Josh Fisher (UK off season) coming straight out of a New Zealand winter and preseason indoor training. Again it was very hot (for us!) and humid through the day - 30 or 31 degrees before the wind picked up and the cloud cover arrived in the late afternoon.
The Under 19s had worked out a plan around the good lengths to bowl which saw them make early in-roads and tested the NZ Croatia top order. Samoa U19 had won the toss and elected to bowl, quickly exploiting some predominant uneven bounce and rumours of a ridged crack in the concrete underneath the artificial surface. The odd ball could keep very low or shoot up to shoulder height or higher, but regardless it was clear the U19 bowlers certainly had the skills to exploit it. They backed it up with their dynamic energy in the field, and great arms.
After the early loss of battler captain Joseph Yovich, Reece Young patiently navigated his way to 30 at first drop before Christy O'Brien (43 not out off 29) and Stacy Hyndman (37 not out) once again did the finishing and got us up to a respectable 153 for four.
The U19s batted their allotted overs in reply but at 113/9 were well short after a team effort with the ball from NZ Croatia, Christy O'Brien once again in the thick of the action behind the stumps. Spin was prevalent - Rory O'Brien, Ryan Majstrovic and Darron Goodwin taking 5 wickets among them.
The U19s batted their allotted overs in reply but at 113/9 were well short after a team effort with the ball from NZ Croatia, Christy O'Brien once again in the thick of the action behind the stumps. Spin was prevalent - Rory O'Brien, Ryan Majstrovic and Darron Goodwin taking 5 wickets among them.
We bowled a lot of spin and that was a really good test for the Samoan youngsters as they predominantly have a seam attack at home.
Multitalented Ryan (would it be seam? spin?) also pouched three outfield catches and Christy did very well in the heat not letting many byes through at all - in fact, the previous day he had only conceded a solitary bye which was very impressive, hitting the ground running!
Multitalented Ryan (would it be seam? spin?) also pouched three outfield catches and Christy did very well in the heat not letting many byes through at all - in fact, the previous day he had only conceded a solitary bye which was very impressive, hitting the ground running!
We were impressed by Samoa U19 top order batsman Alataua Lemanu (30 off 24) who showed he was coming through the system - he also played for the senior side later on in the tour, alongside Lester Evile and Douglas Taitoe.
We reflected with the U19 team afterwards and presented certificates - to the fielder, batsman and bowler of the day, and provided an opportunity for them to ask questions.
We reflected with the U19 team afterwards and presented certificates - to the fielder, batsman and bowler of the day, and provided an opportunity for them to ask questions.
We were very grateful to SICA (Samoa International Cricket Association) for kindly providing us with water and ice throughout our tour, but we had overlooked arranging lunch for our first doubleheader so it is with much gratitude that we thank Lucy Hyndman and Margot for the bread, banana, papaya and ice cream runs across the road to the supermarket and Hayden Robinson thereafter stepping up to the plate as lunch monitor!
After a short recovery break we were up against Vailele who arrived well presented in their club uniforms and fired up to take us on and defend their territory! They quickly showed why they are the top club on the island, with a good mix of experience and youth and great camaraderie in their side.
After a short recovery break we were up against Vailele who arrived well presented in their club uniforms and fired up to take us on and defend their territory! They quickly showed why they are the top club on the island, with a good mix of experience and youth and great camaraderie in their side.
As with all the teams we played, their fielding was athletic and the team unified - they did not
drop a catch, had great arms and were a well drilled, organised team that had us on our toes. Ready to play. Supporting each other and constantly communicating in the field - we quickly learnt that a call of lua ("rua" in Maori) was the signal for two synchronised claps from everyone in the field. And yet, respectful after that initial moment of elation whenever a wicket fell. We couldn't have asked for a better warm-up ahead of our three matches against Samoa Men.
We were also up against some aggressive hitting. After having had our next opponents 36/3, Vailele number four Feliti - a big, powerful batsman - blasted an unbeaten 78 not out, including the biggest six of the tour, off Goodie - Reece Young even reckoned it was one of the biggest sixes he has ever seen in his career, over backward square. Last we heard, the ball was still on its way to Croatia. Feliti hit six sixes and three of them off consecutive balls at the end of the innings.
drop a catch, had great arms and were a well drilled, organised team that had us on our toes. Ready to play. Supporting each other and constantly communicating in the field - we quickly learnt that a call of lua ("rua" in Maori) was the signal for two synchronised claps from everyone in the field. And yet, respectful after that initial moment of elation whenever a wicket fell. We couldn't have asked for a better warm-up ahead of our three matches against Samoa Men.
We were also up against some aggressive hitting. After having had our next opponents 36/3, Vailele number four Feliti - a big, powerful batsman - blasted an unbeaten 78 not out, including the biggest six of the tour, off Goodie - Reece Young even reckoned it was one of the biggest sixes he has ever seen in his career, over backward square. Last we heard, the ball was still on its way to Croatia. Feliti hit six sixes and three of them off consecutive balls at the end of the innings.
Against this onslaught Stacy [below] with 2-26 was the pick of the bowlers, Vailele finishing with 127/5. In the field it was once again quite hot, and we shelled a few in the conditions, finding it difficult to concentrate. A good learning experience.
Saturday saw our sole one-day match of the tour and on reflection we were nowhere near as prepared as we should have been.
This was our first game in Samoa against the very impressive Samoa men's international side and our first game with a Kookaburra ball, and it backfired on us as they got so excited with a new international cricket cherry that it was the Bodyline series all over again!
We felt we were in the Caribbean in the late 90s facing the Windies attack, helmets being hit and bombs going off like the Croatia world war.
It set the scene for three tough matches and woke up a few of the lads who were brought back to earth that this was going to be a hard-fought series.
This was our first game in Samoa against the very impressive Samoa men's international side and our first game with a Kookaburra ball, and it backfired on us as they got so excited with a new international cricket cherry that it was the Bodyline series all over again!
We felt we were in the Caribbean in the late 90s facing the Windies attack, helmets being hit and bombs going off like the Croatia world war.
It set the scene for three tough matches and woke up a few of the lads who were brought back to earth that this was going to be a hard-fought series.
Samoa bowled first, and unfortunately NZ Croatia only succeeded in constructing a telephone number in the scorebook. Dan Marsic [above] had brought some Croatia badges over with us of the lapel variety and in this game he took some other badges trying to avoid further loss of wicket as partners were lost at the other end.
Joey's prematch talk had been all about how Samoa was not used to being in the field for 50 overs, and how to use that to our advantage.
By seven minutes past one, NZ Croatia was all out for 75 in the space of 36 overs!
Joey's prematch talk had been all about how Samoa was not used to being in the field for 50 overs, and how to use that to our advantage.
By seven minutes past one, NZ Croatia was all out for 75 in the space of 36 overs!
Only two of our batsmen had reached double figures, Rory O'Brien providing a much needed 27 not out, toughing it out like a true gumdigger at seven and finding late support from Ryan Majstrovic (16).
Also of note was James Banicevich run out without facing a ball - the first time it had ever happened to the batsman in his cricket career, and symptomatic of the luck that had been plaguing him to date on tour. For Samoa, Naamanu their left-arm veteran was impressive - consistent with both bat and ball, while Leiato chimed in with a useful 3-19 off six and Lester the left-arm spinner delivered a fine spell of 2-9 off 10 including four maidens.
Also of note was James Banicevich run out without facing a ball - the first time it had ever happened to the batsman in his cricket career, and symptomatic of the luck that had been plaguing him to date on tour. For Samoa, Naamanu their left-arm veteran was impressive - consistent with both bat and ball, while Leiato chimed in with a useful 3-19 off six and Lester the left-arm spinner delivered a fine spell of 2-9 off 10 including four maidens.
They then chased it down with seven wickets and half the Pacific ocean to spare - in 14.1 overs. Our only real bright spot was once again Christy behind the stumps conceding only two byes, while James Banicevich had the added bonus of watching the rugby that evening in a banana onesie.
Joey ran back to the resort from the ground and was chased home by the local dogs to cap off a challenging day.
Joey ran back to the resort from the ground and was chased home by the local dogs to cap off a challenging day.
We were being treated to a Polynesian buffet and drinks that Friday evening by our hosts ahead of the All Blacks' opening match at the World Cup, which was projected onto a big screen for us at the Tradition Resort and got J.A. especially fired up much to everyone's entertainment.
With Sunday being a day of rest across Samoa, we had the whole day off to contemplate NZ Croatia's first loss on tour and how to avoid any future ones. The boys were all really looking forward to a day off after a busy few days of cricket in the heat. The majority of the group headed off in the van over the Cross-Island Road to the opposite coast, a journey of about an hour and a half in normal circumstances that was escalated somewhat by a brake situation that saw us broken down on the far side of the island in an empty village (everyone at church) bar some local children peering at us palagi through the windows, wondering what we were doing parked up and sitting on the corner of their front lawn???
With Sunday being a day of rest across Samoa, we had the whole day off to contemplate NZ Croatia's first loss on tour and how to avoid any future ones. The boys were all really looking forward to a day off after a busy few days of cricket in the heat. The majority of the group headed off in the van over the Cross-Island Road to the opposite coast, a journey of about an hour and a half in normal circumstances that was escalated somewhat by a brake situation that saw us broken down on the far side of the island in an empty village (everyone at church) bar some local children peering at us palagi through the windows, wondering what we were doing parked up and sitting on the corner of their front lawn???
Hayden Robinson (promoted to first assistant manager) set off in search of a friendly bus driver (three buses parked outside a house in the village) but only encountered some displeased dogs while Joey suffered a jandal breakdown and queasy stomach in paradise after a nice serpentine hill ascent and descent to the far side of nowhere.
Miraculously just when it seemed all hope was lost and we would be stuck on the far side of nowhere for days to come, it was discovered that Reece Young was mechanical and all that was required was to take the lid off and let it cool down. After that Youngy did all the driving, getting us all the way to Samoa's famous To Sua lava swimming hole which features a unique tidal current - you descend a steep, high ladder to the swimming hole and then hold on to ropes to avoid being sucked through the underwater caves to the surf beyond! For our fearless lads this provided the perfect opportunity to further refine the bombs and salmons we had been fervently practising in the resort's infinity pool every afternoon.
Miraculously just when it seemed all hope was lost and we would be stuck on the far side of nowhere for days to come, it was discovered that Reece Young was mechanical and all that was required was to take the lid off and let it cool down. After that Youngy did all the driving, getting us all the way to Samoa's famous To Sua lava swimming hole which features a unique tidal current - you descend a steep, high ladder to the swimming hole and then hold on to ropes to avoid being sucked through the underwater caves to the surf beyond! For our fearless lads this provided the perfect opportunity to further refine the bombs and salmons we had been fervently practising in the resort's infinity pool every afternoon.
After a refreshing couple of hours on the coast it was time to get the van back over the hill with the added challenge of now running low on petrol. Fortunately we made it down to 'E' just as a service station on the edge of Apia loomed into view and while Margot (aka Second Assistant Manager) was in the supermarket purchasing the Sunday special of hot coconut cream buns for all the team who should we bump into there but Oscar Kightley - thanks very kindly for the photo bro.
That night we went out to dinner as a team and had some pizza with red bonnet chilli on it. Thanks Dan.
With the one-dayer not quite a distant memory we were fired up to get one back, and it had really
got the juices going for our final day of cricket on the Monday - a T20 doubleheader against the Samoan men's team.
With the one-dayer not quite a distant memory we were fired up to get one back, and it had really
got the juices going for our final day of cricket on the Monday - a T20 doubleheader against the Samoan men's team.
How fired up? It was the first time all tour we arrived at the ground on time after sliding from day one on our usual time-keeping. But by now we had settled in.
This turned out to be the big media occasion with both Samoa's TV1 and TV3 stations turning up to film and Joey [below] and Reece being interviewed for the Samoa Observer. Fortunately Joey would have ample time to attend to his media duties after being bowled chopping on early doors in our dig in the first T20, having a little trouble seeing the ball with the eager cameraman standing inside the rope behind the bowler to capture this exciting moment. Rumour has it the ball also didn't bounce.
This turned out to be the big media occasion with both Samoa's TV1 and TV3 stations turning up to film and Joey [below] and Reece being interviewed for the Samoa Observer. Fortunately Joey would have ample time to attend to his media duties after being bowled chopping on early doors in our dig in the first T20, having a little trouble seeing the ball with the eager cameraman standing inside the rope behind the bowler to capture this exciting moment. Rumour has it the ball also didn't bounce.
Samoa had batted first, we had put them in with a cunning plan of making for a shorter day. Again our cunning plan spectacularly backfired. We were on top of the first half of the innings, but they fought back and got up to a competitive score.
The standout for Samoa was once again the left-hander Namaanu and Maletino, while the pick of the NZ Croatia bowlers was Josh Fisher (3-17 off four and 38 off 31) who had a very impressive allround game, and Ryan Majstrovic with his left-armers.
Chasing 149 for 8, Reece Young started well up front, he was fired up and concentrated before being caught for 37 off his 24.
Pushing Josh Fisher ahead of Dan Marsic as a pinch hitter proved a stroke of genius by captain Yovich who after all had to do something on tour at some stage. We had a good game of cricket on our hands by then, even stevens until Fish and Rory a.k.a. Roy O'Brien found the boundaries with some hefty blows and consecutive sixes from Fish.
Chasing 149 for 8, Reece Young started well up front, he was fired up and concentrated before being caught for 37 off his 24.
Pushing Josh Fisher ahead of Dan Marsic as a pinch hitter proved a stroke of genius by captain Yovich who after all had to do something on tour at some stage. We had a good game of cricket on our hands by then, even stevens until Fish and Rory a.k.a. Roy O'Brien found the boundaries with some hefty blows and consecutive sixes from Fish.
Rory got us home in the last over - what a relief to win that one and get back on track after the fright on Saturday, and again earlier in this game, against a fired up Samoa.
After almost an hour's break between innings we were suddenly down to the last game on tour. It had gone fast, and we were determined to finish with a 2-0 T20 series win.
Things didn't get off to a great start, however, with Youngy being given to an LBW decision that pitched outside leg. We did know to beware of being hit of the pads at all times, understanding that umpire development is a big focus for Samoan cricket and grateful for the wonderful and dedicated volunteers who officiated.
Things didn't get off to a great start, however, with Youngy being given to an LBW decision that pitched outside leg. We did know to beware of being hit of the pads at all times, understanding that umpire development is a big focus for Samoan cricket and grateful for the wonderful and dedicated volunteers who officiated.
James Banicevich [above] finally got his luck back in this game with a very classy 53, a maiden NZ Croatia half century - and a nice change from having been run out without facing plus receiving a couple of deliveries that even Bradman himself could not have played. Promoted to opener, which suited him down to the ground, James showed his class and discipline, and reached his half century with a six.
He gave himself more time, too, and he showed he was busier than in the preceeding games, working the ball nicely and capitalising on anything short or overpitched. He looked classic and
in control, determined to get a good innings in this last opportunity and take it.
And yet again he was supported by Stacy Hyndman (21 batting at three), who was positive throughout, and a little cameo by Dan Marsic at six which created some nice momentum for the back end of the innings at run-a-ball pace. We reached 142/8 - and would need every one of those runs in what turned out to be an absolute thriller to finish.
He gave himself more time, too, and he showed he was busier than in the preceeding games, working the ball nicely and capitalising on anything short or overpitched. He looked classic and
in control, determined to get a good innings in this last opportunity and take it.
And yet again he was supported by Stacy Hyndman (21 batting at three), who was positive throughout, and a little cameo by Dan Marsic at six which created some nice momentum for the back end of the innings at run-a-ball pace. We reached 142/8 - and would need every one of those runs in what turned out to be an absolute thriller to finish.
Samoa had the game for the taking, but losing wickets rattled their composure and, despite having plenty of time left to find the winning runs, made a panicky bolt for the line that saw them all out for 140 - a nerve-wracking one-run win to NZ Croatia!
A tight match, a nervous affair and an elusive last wicket that had threatened not to fall until Fish tried a slower ball that was skied to keeper Christy. Good cricket smarts were used with pace taken off the ball which bamboozled the Samoa lower order batsmen. Leiato had hit four sixes in a row, all straight - scoring 28 off 10 balls - but was out. All they had needed was patience.
Throughout our batting and bowling in all the matches we tried to provided everyone in our side with fresh opportunities to extend themselves - for example Rory opened the bowling even though he is not renowned for bowling a lot for for his club. He did well and his brother Christy was Mr Consistent all tour.
We were adaptable while Samoa's standard exceeded our expectations. Their hospitality was also second to none and we thoroughly recommend Samoa as a destination for your own sports group.
We would like to see more emerging Samoan cricketers exposed to New Zealand cricket through placement in clubs back here in NZ - they offer a lot in return. Full credit to Samoa: you gave us a serious run for our money and we can't wait to return for a rematch Usos!
As Dan Marsic captured so well in his closing speech at the farewells, we also discovered just how much we have in common, through the great game of cricket.
Continued tours (from cricketing nations) supporting Samoa are integral towards providing an opportunity to nurture and foster cricket across all levels on the island, helping build towards high performance. Tourism is a key as well, therefore a collaborative approach helps connect and support this collective initiative.
From the NZ Croatia Cricket Club's perspective and experience we can only commend the development and progress of the game of cricket across the Samoan community.
Fa'afetai lava, to all our new friends. Well done to all those involved with leading SICA - you should be extremely proud of your efforts and the continued progress, team!
And to our lads.......Hrvatska!
NZ CROATIA SQUAD
We were adaptable while Samoa's standard exceeded our expectations. Their hospitality was also second to none and we thoroughly recommend Samoa as a destination for your own sports group.
We would like to see more emerging Samoan cricketers exposed to New Zealand cricket through placement in clubs back here in NZ - they offer a lot in return. Full credit to Samoa: you gave us a serious run for our money and we can't wait to return for a rematch Usos!
As Dan Marsic captured so well in his closing speech at the farewells, we also discovered just how much we have in common, through the great game of cricket.
Continued tours (from cricketing nations) supporting Samoa are integral towards providing an opportunity to nurture and foster cricket across all levels on the island, helping build towards high performance. Tourism is a key as well, therefore a collaborative approach helps connect and support this collective initiative.
From the NZ Croatia Cricket Club's perspective and experience we can only commend the development and progress of the game of cricket across the Samoan community.
Fa'afetai lava, to all our new friends. Well done to all those involved with leading SICA - you should be extremely proud of your efforts and the continued progress, team!
And to our lads.......Hrvatska!
NZ CROATIA SQUAD