Cricket Makes Kabara Comeback

Cricket is making a comeback to the Lau island of Kabara in Fiji for the first time in around half a century.

The small island formed an Association and joined Cricket Fiji for the first time ever in April and last week held their first round of competition games.

Suva-based committee member Emanueli Bese said there were now three teams competing in weekly matches and a huge excitement among the villages about the return of the sport.

"Everyone's very excited," Bese said.

"Some gear just arrived last week from Cricket Fiji so they want to thank the association for their great gift. It gives them even more incentive to play."

"Games started last week and will be on every Wednesday. They?re playing them all in Tokalau at the moment and they told me next month they hope to shift them to the other villages as well."

Bese said development officer Marika Vakacacara had been appointed to help grow the game throughout the island.

"And we still have a few old players and that's who are teaching the new boys who haven't touched a cricket ball before," he said.

"Our main goal at the moment is to attend the Easter Tournament next year."

"Since we saw Namuka and Komo included in the competition this year, we're trying to come in next year."

Cricket Fiji chief executive Jon Symonds said Kabara would be provided with as much assistance as possible to help grow the game on the island.

"We're delighted to welcome Kabara into Cricket Fiji family and it's another indication of the ever-increasing popularity of cricket in Fiji," Symonds said.

Last week's opening game was a Twenty20 match between the Yellow and Blue teams which Yellow won by 38 runs.

Tui Samoa took four wickets and Saula took three as Yellow posted 7-80 from their 20 overs, and in reply Blue was bowled out for 42 with Meleki claiming three wickets and Mesake taking two.