ASSOCIATION ON CUP
ONO-I-LAU CRICKETERS RICKETERS TARGET FINAL L SPOT IN COMPETITION ON
Despite given a short time to prepare, the Ono-i-Lau cricket team is determined to achieve their target. Team manager Manase Tarabe said they want to reach the final of the 2020 Association Cup.
And they are on track. They beat Kabara on Monday and defeated Lakeba by three wickets on Tuesday.
“We did not prepare much, it was only for about two weeks but we aim to reach the final,” Tarabe said.
“Most of the training was done inside since it was raining when we arrived in Suva. “Through Cricket Fiji’s funding, we started our competition back home where 14 players were selected.”
Former national rep Noa Acawei joined the team in Suva.
The players are chosen from the villages of Nukuni, Lovoni, Matokana and Doi.
The side also includes two Under-19 reps Mika Qalobula and Waisale Vulivakarua .
Tarabe indicated cricket has changed over the years since he started playing in the 80s. “Cricket started with our grandfathers in 1984 in Ono-i-Lau and they do it their own way, the island style.
“Now they are only playing 20 overs, we used to have 50, 60 overs,” he said.
“For our team, throws and batting are two most crucial areas of the game.
“It is great that we are playing in a good weather.
“And besides reaching the final, we hope to get few of our players selected for the national squad to further their knowledge and skills in cricket.”
Results: Cicia won against Kabara by 7 wickets, Komo won against Lakeba by 6 wickets, Ono i Lau beat Suva by 1 run, Moce won against Oneata by 6 wickets, Namuka won by 8 wickets against Rotuma and Nadi won by 8 wickets CF Inv.
Today’s Matches: 8:00am CF Inv v Rotuma, Cicia v Suva, 11;00am: Moce v Namuka, Onoi-Lau v Komo, 2:00pm: Oneata v Nadi, Kabara v Lakeba.