First local cricket skipper on a mission

EDDIE Tse Lap-hong, a 31-year-old banking executive, was appointed captain of Hongkong's first all-Chinese Dragons side yesterday.

But the Diocesan Boys School medium-pacer has yet to feel the sense of history attached to his appointment as he leads the Dragons on a ground-breaking tour to Taiwan in September.

He is the first full Chinese to be appointed captain of any Hongkong representative side since cricket was first introduced to the territory.

''I think in a few years time I'll appreciate it more,'' said Tse, whose family and friends know almost nothing about the game. ''But first of all, I want to see cricket become popular among the Chinese in Hongkong.

''I think that is part of my job. This team is important for the future. In three years time, I think there will be a strong Chinese team in Hongkong.'' Tse's two brothers never took an interest in cricket even though they also attended DBS, a predominantly Chinese school with a strong cricket tradition.

His friends often quiz him about the game and although many of them think he is wasting his time, Tse says: ''It doesn't matter. I think mahjong is a waste of time.

''I think cricket is a great game. Not only do you need physical skill, but a lot of tactical awareness. It's superior to other sports. And I think the average Chinese build is suited to the game.'' Tse was first introduced to the game in 1975 when he started his secondary education.