Nation right behind the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is a buzz with cricket fever as their national women's cricket team is on their way to Vanuatu to participate in next week's Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific Women?s Championship.

This will be the first International event the Cook Islands women's team has participated in and their Team Manager Lacynthia Rani says the excitement and support for the girls around the country has been unprecedented.

"Everywhere the players go the youngsters are stopping them and saying goodluck," said Rani. "The mamas and the papas in the village have been coming down to donate some of their pension and businesses have been hosting fundraisers for us, it has just been an awesome experience for all the girls."

The Cook Islands Edgewater Women's Cricket Program was introduced just over two years ago and although participation numbers are high, Cook Islands General Manager Alister Stevic says technical knowledge and experience is still in its infancy.

"The coaches have been working the girls very hard in our twelve week build up to the tournament," said Stevic. "The players have all developed a lot and we are certain that we will see some fine performances from the Cooks girls during the tournament."

Expecting to come up against some quality opposition, Rani says the side is still keen to perform strongly but are keeping their goals for the event realistic.

"The association and management have reinforced to the players the opportunity a first tournament provides," said Rani. "It's an opportunity for the players to create a legacy for women's cricket in the Cook Islands and moreover an opportunity to set the standard of energy and passion for future teams who represent the Cooks."

Rani sees this tournament as an important stepping stone in the development of women's cricket in her country and believes they have a few players that will turn some heads in Vanuatu.

"We are very excited about our two teenage fast bowlers Sharde Neale and Amelia Moetaua. At just 17 and 16 respectively they are the future of women's cricket and will gain a wealth of experience from this tournament," she said.

However Rani is also fully aware that a strong performance will require more than just a few players to perform.

"The Cooks is a small country. Everyone tends to band together to get things done, and our cricket is no different so we understand that one player is only as strong as the girl next to her," she said. "You will see a very tight group of girls with a very special atmosphere."

The Cook Islands first match is on Monday morning against Japan.