Papua New Guinea men's cricket coach Dipak Patel says the team is still adapting to the demands of being full-time professionals, but is relishing being able to train and improve every day.
PNG have begun the defence of their South Australian Cricket League title. Photo: Cricket PNG
The Barramundi's continue the defence of their South Australian Premier League title last this weekend with a double header against the Northern Mavericks and Eastern Edge in Darwin.
They managed a win and a loss in their opening two games.
Dipak Patel says with matches being played at the weekends it's been valuable having a full weeks to prepare.
"That's the hardest part that the players have found is the day to day training and obviously fronting up to play in the games, and backing up and being more consistent. That's another area that we've talked about at great length as players and as a team - that we wanted to be a lot more consistent and I think that we've shown that in the last two games. These guys are starting to get a feel for what professional cricket is all about and moving forward I'm very encouraged."
The PNG Lewas women's team are also in action this weekend in two matches against the Australian Under 18 team.