Suva Claim Fiji Western Crown

Nadi national representative Tauyasa Vakarau went in swinging, but nothing could stop Suva being named winners of the Under 19 Western Conference tournament which concluded at Suva Grammar today.

Suva brought the silverware back to the capital for the first time in about a decade despite Vakarau's amazing innings of 90* against Lautoka which featured 11 boundaries and six 6's.

He and Apete Tuidraki (45) helped Nadi reach 204 from their 25 overs against Lautoka.

They bowled the fellow western-based team out for just 52 and had to wait on the result between Suva and Tailevu to see if bonus points could carry them over the line.

But Suva were not about to comply and put the result beyond doubt when they beat a spirited Tailevu by 39 runs as the shadows lengthened across the Grammar ground.

Opener and co-captain Metui Daucakacaka hit 35 to help build Suva's total, along with Inesh Thureraga?s 32.

The pair then reaped destruction with the ball, Daucakacaka taking
5-34 from five overs and Thureraga claiming 3-15 off six overs in a very economical spell.

Earlier in the day, Nadi bowler Tomasi Cagi had also enjoyed a good spell with the ball against Lautoka and finished with 4-13 off three overs.

Selectors will now use these matches to select a Western team to take part in the national All Stars tournament in December, with a national team to be named from that.