Ulei wins North Efate Cricket Bash

Ulei defeated Epau in the Grand Final of the inaugural Vanuatu Cricket North Efate Cricket Bash at Epau on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Ulei captain, Malon Avok elected to field and it played immediate dividends with Epau slumping to 4/24 off four overs.

Arthur Ben and Jonny Matai came to crease and started the rescue mission, adding an impressive 57 runs for the fifth wicket helping Epau recover and post a competitive 6/76 off their allotted ten overs.

Peru Felix (1/2), Alla Tamata (1/4), Jeffery Kalkot (1/6) and David Robinson (1/7) were the best of the Ulei bowlers.

In reply Ulei got off to a disastrous start losing Avok in the first over. They then recovered from their early slip up and kept the run rate above ten for the first four overs thanks to some big hitting from Max Swoli and Silva Langa.

Despiute losing regular wickets, Ulei were always in control and passed the score in the ninth over with four wickets in hand. Robea Merang (2/8) was the best of the Epau bowlers.

"The North Efate Cricket Bash was a very successful tournament," said Vanuatu Cricket's General Manager, Pierre Chilia. "Congratulations to Ulei for taking out the inaugural North Efate Cricket Bash. They were deserved winners after remaining undefeated throughout the four week competition. Vanuatu Cricket should also thank the other teams (Ekipe, Eton and Epau) for taking part in this tournament."

Vanuatu Cricket aims to expand the North Efate Cricket Bash to over ten teams next year. The competition is a part of the Vanuatu Cricket Outreach Program which is funded by the European Union and the Australian Government.

In the other match, Ekipe defeated Eton in the Third Place Playoff.