The highly anticipated Australian Veterans Cricket Tour to Vanuatu has wrapped up in spectacular fashion, marking four thrilling match days of competitive and friendly cricket. The ten-day tour featured a unique combination of teams, with the Australian veterans joining forces with Vanuatu’s women’s cricket team and a selection of Under 19 national men’s squad. The tour culminated in an unforgettable gala day on Saturday, where the Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, His Excellency Mr Max Willis officiated the coin toss, adding a diplomatic touch to the celebration of cricket.
One of the highlights of the tour was the two matches where the Vanuatu women’s team took on the Australian Veterans men’s side. The Vanuatu women emerged victorious in both 40-over matches, showcasing the strength and future of women’s cricket in the Pacific.
Derek Braidner, organiser of Exotic Cricket Tours and leader of the visiting Australian Veterans, expressed his delight with the tour, stating:
"Groups of Australian Veteran cricketers have been touring the world for many years. I have organised and led teams to over 38 countries in the last 15 years, and I can confidently say that our recent visit to Vanuatu has proven to be one of our best tours to any country – EVER!"
"We must recognise that it takes many moving parts to make an international tour successful. Firstly, the host cricket association has to want you to come, and the Vanuatu Cricket Association rose to the occasion. Their facilities and on-ground staff were exceptional. Across four days, our unique mixed-gender games produced 16 high-quality matches. The two grounds, set against the stunning backdrop of a high ridge, were immaculate. Every morning, the fields were perfectly prepared, and each evening, our players and their partners returned to the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu with broad smiles."
"Secondly, the country you are visiting needs to feel welcoming and worthy of your investment of time and resources. How can you not love a place where everyone you meet – whether in the street, the supermarket, on buses, or in restaurants – greets you with a smile? It is extraordinary and comforting."
"Finally, the cricketers we played against and alongside were full of joy and played the game with great respect for their competitors. There is much talk these days about ‘The Spirit of Cricket,’ and I can tell you it is alive and well at Vanuatu Cricket! We had an unforgettable time thanks to the VCA’s organisation and hope to return in 2025/6.”
VCA CEO Tim Cutler echoed these sentiments.
"The first and only other time Derek brought a group here was just days after Tropical Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu in 2015. It is an honour to have hosted their first ‘full’ tour here nine years later."
"This tour gave our amazing women – the highest-ranked national sporting team in Vanuatu – another platform to showcase their skills and abilities."
"A conservative estimate of the overall economic impact on the local economy during the group’s ten-day stay is between 7-10 million vatu. We are proud to play our part in this, especially after such an extended period of uncertainty for travellers and tourism operators alike."
"Special thanks go to Lopez Adams and Peta Turnbull of Coffee Tree/Waterfall for organising the food, transport, and countless unforgettable tours for the group. We also extend our appreciation to the Australian High Commission for their support, including hosting a twilight barbecue for everyone after the last match on Saturday, with closing remarks from first secretary, Ms Laura Frech Carenas.
"This tour has provided us with a great blueprint for hosting future visiting teams, and we look forward to welcoming many more groups to Vanuatu soon. We also hope to see Derek and Exotic Cricket Tours return in the near future!" Cutler concluded.
This tour not only deepened the sporting ties between Australia and Vanuatu but also highlighted the ongoing development of cricket in Vanuatu, particularly with the growing strength of the women’s team. Vanuatu Cricket Association looks forward to more similar fixtures in the future and is proud of the part they played in hosting such a successful tour.
