Raukele cricket club turns 45, reflects on legacy and future

Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 9:45 am

Raukele president Dean Ani (left) and vice-president cutting the cake to mark the 45-year anniversary celebration (Image: CPNG)

Cricket PNG has extended its congratulations to Raukele Cricket Club [RCC] on celebrating 45 years of service to cricket development and community engagement in Papua New Guinea.

The club marked the milestone with a special event and 2024 Presentation Day held at Amini Park on Saturday, 12 July, coinciding with the conclusion of the 2024 Port Moresby Cricket season.

Founded in 1980, Raukele Cricket Club has been a powerhouse in grassroots cricket, contributing significantly to the development of players who have gone on to represent Papua New Guinea at both junior and senior levels. These include stars from the PNG Barramundis and PNG Lewas, such as Tony Ura, Jason Kila, Kiplin Doriga, and emerging Lewas batter Melanie Ani.

Club president Dean Ani reflected on the club’s journey, highlighting the importance of legacy, family values, and preparing the next generation of players.

“This 45-year anniversary celebration and presentation is about acknowledging our journey, our legends, and the young players who will carry us into the next 50 years. We are proud of the legacy Raukele has built and excited for what lies ahead,” Ani said.

Barramundis batter Tony Ura (left) receiving his award for Raukele's most runs in 2024 POMCA season (Image: CPNG)

The celebration also honoured the club’s late founders and pioneers, who were instrumental in establishing one of PNG’s most consistent and dedicated cricket clubs.

Top players who had a flourishing season in 2024, were also given awards for their outstanding performances.

True to its spirit of community and respect, Raukele Cricket Club presented thank-you gifts to Cricket PNG security staff in recognition of their ongoing service throughout the cricket season.

“We thank Raukele for acknowledging our hardworking staff. Gestures like these remind us that cricket is not just a sport, it is a community built on respect and unity,” Cricket PNG Board Chairman Michael Harrison said.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Raukele will field teams across several divisions, including Premier Men’s, Two Reserve Grades, Women’s, and Under-17 Boys and Girls.

Raukele's top female player Melanie Ani, a current member of the Lewas squad (Image: CPNG)

The club continues to draw talent from Hula Village and surrounding communities in Central Province, investing in transport, training, and accommodation to ensure youth from rural areas have access to cricket pathways.

“We are committed to developing talent from the village, bringing in boys and girls every weekend. We believe the next generation of Barramundis and Lewas are already among us,” Ani said.

Raukele’s women’s team, which reached the Grand Final last season, features rising players like Melanie Ani and other emerging stars. The club also incorporates promising players from corporate cricket programs, aiming to build a culture rooted in professionalism, discipline, and opportunity.

With a strong development pathway, guided by a code of ethics, leadership training, and mentorship from senior players, Raukele Cricket Club continues to inspire the broader cricket community in PNG.

Cricket PNG reaffirmed its support for Raukele as they move towards their 50th anniversary, and commended the club’s role in nurturing grassroots talent and contributing to the national cricket landscape.

“We look forward to celebrating more milestones with Raukele and all clubs across the country who continue to grow the game and produce the future stars of PNG cricket,” Harrison said.

Raukele players celebrating the 45th milestone at Amini Park on Saturday (Image: CPNG)