Matautaava mauls Malapoa

In one of the most exhilarating innings in the region, Vanuatu senior team and U19 star Patrick Matautaava single-handedly destroyed whatever chance Malapoa College had in the final of the Barrett & Partners Trophy on Saturday at Kazaa field. Coming in at 202-8 in the 40th over with the game in the balance despite a fine century from Andrew Mansale, Matautaava went on a rampage for his team Mele.

Beginning with two dot balls, he produced four sixes and a four in the next five balls. He brought up his century in just 31 balls with a towering six, and went on to finish 146 not out off 43 balls. He hit 18 sixes and with Vikerie Taravaki, put on an unbroken 121 for the last wicket from which Vikerie's contribution was just two not out.

From 202-8 in the 41st over, Mele reached a massive 365-9 off its 50 overs.

Shell-shocked from the Matautaava onslaught, Malapoa nevertheless went out to bat in a positive frame of mind. With national opener and previous week's century maker, Lenika Natapei, in fine form and well-supported by the young Junior Carlot, Malapoa set out to show that it was not intimidated. Junior made a fine 14 with some shots that belied his age, before Simpson Obed joined Natapei. Whilst struggling with the run rate required, they looked very strong as the score moved along to 108 in the 20th over with both batsmen looking to get on with it. Unfortunately Simpson was dismissed and with him went down the main hopes for Malapoa. Natapei continued to play with authority before he nicked one down leg to be out for 82. He has been in great form since returning from Samoa and the overall strength and form of batsmen in the national side augurs well for global conditions.

All in all, another wonderful season of club cricket with many fine innings and bowling performances but it would be hard to go past Patrick Matautaava's power-laden masterpiece.