The 2024 edition of the Splashe Women’s National Youth Championships concluded with a breathtaking final on September 6th, as Malapoa College U19 Women triumphed over Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Women by 8 wickets, capping off three days of intense competition that showcased the very best of Vanuatu's emerging cricket talent.
Final Showdown: A Battle of Grit and Strategy
In the much-anticipated final, the Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Women took to the crease first, posting a competitive total of 114/4 in their allotted 20 overs. Key contributions came from their in-form batter Gillian Chilia, who scored a steady 54, supported by Wilma Langa, who added 32 off 28 balls. Despite a solid start, the Mele Bulls found it difficult to break through Malapoa College’s disciplined bowling attack led by Vanessa Vira, who managed to contain the runs and pick up crucial wickets.
The Malapoa College U19 Women, led by Susan Stephen, were resilient in their chase. Stephen’s composed knock of 43 off 39 balls, supported by a crucial 39 from Natalia Kakor, anchored the innings. In a tense finish, Malapoa College reached their target in the final over, securing a memorable victory with 115/5 in 19.5 overs. The triumph marked a remarkable end to a stellar tournament campaign for Malapoa, who demonstrated both tactical maturity and a will to fight until the end.
Semi-Final Drama: Malapoa's Grit Prevails
Malapoa’s road to the final was no easy journey. In the semi-final, they faced off against the Splashe Women’s Outreach Stars, a team known for their aggressive all-round play. Batting first, Malapoa found themselves under pressure early, managing just 98/8 from their 20 overs. However, a spirited bowling performance saw them restrict the Outreach Stars to 92/8, securing a thrilling 6-run victory. The result underlined the team’s determination, with Vanessa Vira once again playing a key role in containing the opposition, taking 3 wickets for 19 runs.
The Road to the Final: Close Contests and Standout Performers
Throughout the championship, the Malapoa College U19 Women demonstrated resilience and skill in every match. The league stage saw ups and downs for all teams, with Malapoa suffering a defeat early on at the hands of Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Women, who chased down Malapoa’s 94/9 with 8 wickets in hand. Despite the setback, Malapoa bounced back with emphatic victories over the Splashe Women’s Outreach Stars and Splashe Mele Bulls, ensuring their path to the semi-final.
Key players throughout the tournament included Susan Stephen, whose top-order stability was invaluable to Malapoa’s success. Stephen amassed 110 runs in 6 matches at a strike rate of 159.42, including two match-winning contributions. Natalia Kakor, another standout, scored 99 runs at an average of 33.00, while Vanessa Vira was the team’s bowling star. With 10 wickets to her name, including a stunning 7/6 performance, Vira was instrumental in keeping Malapoa in control during crucial moments.
On the other side, Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Women showcased their own stars, particularly Joy Mansale, who finished the tournament as the top-ranked player with 335 points. Mansale’s all-round prowess, contributing with both bat and ball, made her a central figure for the Bulls, and her efforts were recognized with a Player of the Tournament award.
Tournament Stats and Key Highlights
The Splashe Women’s National Youth Championships saw several remarkable performances:
Susan Stephen (Malapoa College): 110 runs, 43 highest score, 159.42 strike rate.
Vanessa Vira (Malapoa College): Leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets and an astonishing 7/6 spell.
Joy Mansale (Splashe Mele Bulls): Top-ranked player with 8 wickets and significant contributions in the field.
The competition also saw tight games between the three participating teams, with victories being hard-fought and decided by narrow margins. In the league stage, Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Women and Splashe Women’s Outreach Stars each registered critical wins, keeping the tournament competitive right until the final ball. Notably, Gillian Chilia’s unbeaten 54 and Wilma Langa’s quickfire 64 not out were the standout batting performances that gave the Bulls the upper hand in key matches.
Building the Future of Women’s Cricket in Vanuatu
The 2024 edition of the Splashe Women’s National Youth Championships was a celebration of the rising talent in Vanuatu’s women’s cricket. The tournament provided a platform for young cricketers to hone their skills, gain exposure, and compete at a high level. With the leadership of players like Susan Stephen, Vanessa Vira, and Joy Mansale, Vanuatu’s future in women’s cricket looks promising.
Speaking after the final, Jamal Vira, Operations Manager of the Vanuatu Cricket Association, emphasized the significance of the tournament: “The performances we’ve seen this week are just the beginning for these young women. Their passion, talent, and commitment to the game have been incredible, and we look forward to seeing many of them represent Vanuatu on the international stage in the future.”
Looking Ahead
As the tournament concludes, the Vanuatu Cricket Association will continue to focus on developing women’s cricket through grassroots initiatives and competitions like the Splashe Women’s National Youth Championships. The success of this event has highlighted the importance of creating more opportunities for young girls and women to participate in cricket across the country.
For further details on the Splashe Women’s National Youth Championships and upcoming events, please visit cricket.vu or contact Jamal Vira at jamal.vira@cricket.vu.
This year’s championships have set a new standard for youth cricket in Vanuatu, and the future looks bright as the next generation of women cricketers continues to emerge.
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