Vanuatu Premier League Update
After last weekend's Independence Cup finals where the Coconut Palms Mele Bulls made light work of North Efate to take out the Independence Cup final, the Vanuatu Premier League (VPL) took centre stage once again.
Each of the VPL sides had registered a win by the end of round 2 and so the teams were eager to kick start their respective campaigns again with additional bonus points being thrown in to add spice to the competition.
Unfortunately with the current spell of bad weather, the Ridgway Blake Rasta's and Barrett's Force called time on their game quite early and so missed out on vital game time and points as the sun popped its head later on during the day.
The Healthwise Hitmen and Matoa Crushers weren't so bold and their patience paid off as they saw out the early showers to set up a reduced 35 over game at Kazaa Field.
Batting first the Hitmen took on a seven man Matoa Crushers who had to play their formidable Coach, Pierre Chilia because some of their players did not turn up for the game.
Michael Avock (61 runs off 66 balls) struck up a 53 run partnership for the first wicket with Willie Johniel (19 runs off 31 balls) then a 98 run partnership with young gun Nalin Nipiko (61 runs off 37 balls). The Hitmen eventually ending their innings by scoring 228 runs off their allocated 35 overs.
For the Crushers bowlers Apo Stevens took 3 wickets for 62 runs off 9 overs, Samson Kalworai 2 wickets for 51 runs off 8 overs Pierre Chilia 1 wicket for 44 runs off 7 overs.
"It was very tough out there with only seven players ? a lot of gaps, but my bowlers tried very hard in testing conditions including slippery run ups. To only bowl 10 extras was a credit to them ? we just have to go and bat well now." said Crushers Captain, Samson Kalworai.
In response the Crusher's hopes of overhauling the Hitmen's score were dashed after the departure of openers Samson Kalworai and Lenica Natapei. The pace and ferocity of Hitmen bowlers Nalin Nipiko, Patrick Matautaava and the spinning trio of Simpson Obed, Michael Avock and Stephan Sandy dried up the run rate and ensured a vital victory for the Hitmen as the Crusher's run chase ended in defeat well short of the required runs.
"I am pleased to get this win under our belt ? we have a few bonus points too which is a bonus. Our batting was key and the two 50 plus partnerships were vital ? it is just reward for those boys who have really worked hard at practice. I was very please with our intensity in the field and am happy that we are leading the VPL at the half way point." said an elated Hitmen Captain, Patrick Matautaava.
Disappointed Crusher's Coach, Pierre Chilia said.
"I am very disappointed with the result today, but having only 7 players was always going to be a tough ask ? we'll be looking forward to a return to form next week."
Saturday 11th August sees Matoa Crushers versus Barrett's Force at Kazaa Field and Healthwise Hitmen versus Ridgway Blake Rastas at Independence Park. Both games start at 9.30am and cricket fans are encouraged to go and watch ? you will not be disappointed!
In other cricket news, the Digicel Senior Men?s Pre-Squad will be embarking on a 4 day preparation camp at the Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) Academy at Teouma from 9 ? 12 August 2011.
This is the first time Vanuatu Cricket has run such a camp and shows the level of commitment that the players, coaching staff and board are putting into their preparations for the World Cricket League Division 8 Tournament that will be held in Samoa next month.
The camp will be a chance for Peter Wooden, the High Performance / Development Manager and National Coach to work with his players in a more controlled environment and for the players to really concentrate on their cricket away from the hustle and bustle of town life.
Nigel Brooks from Central Districts Cricket in New Zealand will also be coming over for the camp as he prepares his role as the Batting Coach for the tournament in Samoa. Having already worked with the squad earlier this year, Nigel will be a familiar face to the players and no doubt will be also looking to embed himself in the preparation of the players.
Another specialist coming from Australia is Alan Mantle, Enhanced Mind Performance along with other local coaches namely Chris Moran (Batting Coach), Roland (Wicket Keeping Coach/Batting Coach) and Gayan (Bowling / Coaching Coach).
Vanuatu Cricket would like to thank the Vanuatu Football Federation and in particular Fabien Hoeppe and Charles Vatu, for their support in making the Football Academy at Teouma available for cricket to use.
"This is a great sign of respect from the VFF to Vanuatu Cricket and I am very grateful for the use of their top class facility," said Vanuatu Cricket President, Mark Stafford in acknowledgement of the VFF support.
Vanuatu Cricket would also like to acknowledge ANZ for their continued sponsorship of the High Performance Program (HPP), Asco Motors for the use of the Community Bus and Roland from Hertz Car Rentals for the use of a hire car during the camp.
"This continued support from ANZ for the HPP, Hertz Car Rentals and Asco Motors is always there when we need it ? Asco Motors, they really are the 'wheels of the nation'" added a delighted Pierre Chilia, General Manager of Vanuatu Cricket.