VCA Recognise High Achievers
The James Kemsley Vanuatu International Cricketer of the Year 2010 Award Night was hosted by Vanuatu Cricket on Saturday 26 March at the Mele Presbyterian Church Assembly Hall. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic international performances of Vanuatu's cricketers in 2010. It was also a time to acknowledge the ongoing development of the organisation which has been enhanced by the establishment of the ANZ High Performance Program, and continued support of long time sponsors Digicel, Westpac, National Bank of Vanuatu, Ridgway Blake Lawyers, Asco Motors Toyota, Vanuatu Abattoirs and Wilco.
Guests including Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports were treated to a toe-tapping set from Jipajiroa String Band to kick start the evening before Master of Ceremonies Mr Garry Blake took to the microphone and announced the Vanuatu Under 17 Player of the Year in 2010. This award reflected on the performances of those in the 2010 Pepsi International Cricket Council (ICC) East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Under 17 Cricket Trophy, as well as the achievements of the players from this squad in both the Under 19 and National teams later in the year. Although there were four standout contenders, Nalin Nipiko left them in his wake to take out the first award of the evening, which was presented by ANZ representative Mrs Linda Kalpoi.
A short break was filled by a sumptuous meal organised by the Mele mammas which kept guests well fed for the remainder of the evening. Following the meal it was time for the announcement of the 2010 James Kemsley Vanuatu International Player of the Year, an award based on players' votes during any international tournament in the relevant calendar year. In 2010 the Digicel Vanuatu National team took part in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 8 in Kuwait. Finishing 3rd and cementing their position in the division, a number of strong performances were reflected upon, but the players nominated their captain, Andrew Mansale, as the worthy recipient of the James Kemsley Award in 2010.
In addition to his receipt of the Award, Andrew was also presented with the Most Memorable Single Performance in 2010 for his 124 not out against Zambia to ensure Vanuatu remained in World Cricket League Division 8. Ms Moana Korikalo of Westpac handed the award to Andrew.
The evening also reflected on the contribution and international retirement of Vanuatu bowler Mr Patrick Haines. Long time national team mate and Vanuatu Cricket General Manager Pierre Chilia presented Haines with a medal to draw significance to the contribution that he had made both on and off the field in his time to date.
"It is important to acknowledge the efforts made by those in our cricketing community," said Chilia. "Patrick has been a fantastic international representative but he has also worked tirelessly at the grassroots level to bring younger players into the game."
"We know that his retirement will not stop this work from continuing, but Vanuatu Cricket wanted to acknowledge this great change in the guard tonight."
The evening concluded with a short raffle. Vanuatu Cricket would like to thank Mangoes Resort and Restaurant, Banyanihan, eTech, the Kava Emporium and Paris Shopping for their donation of prizes for the event.
Vanuatu Cricket will celebrate the James Kemsley Vanuatu International Cricketer of the Year 2011 Award Night in November this year following an action packed year of international cricket. In this time the Digicel Vanuatu National Women's team will take part in the 2011 Women's Tri Series, their first tournament. The Digicel Vanuatu Under 19 team will have participated in the 2011 Pepsi ICC EAP Under 19 Cricket Trophy and Pepsi ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Qualifiers. Finally the Digicel Vanuatu National team will participate in the 2011 Pepsi ICC EAP Division 1 Cricket Trophy and the Pacific Games.