The 2024 Port Vila Women’s T20 Club Championship concluded on Saturday, September 14th, with an action-packed day that saw two highly anticipated semifinals in the morning followed by the grand final in the afternoon. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, the grand final was abandoned, leaving Splashe Mele Bulls, the top-ranked team, to be crowned champions based on their higher standing on the ladder. Despite the abrupt end to the tournament, the day was filled with gripping performances and moments of brilliance.
In the first semifinal, Splashe Mele Bulls faced off against Paama Sharks. Paama Sharks had a rough start, with the Bulls' bowlers immediately putting them under immense pressure. Leimauri Chillia’s disciplined bowling proved to be a game-changer, as she tore through Paama Sharks’ batting lineup, taking four wickets and conceding only 11 runs from her four overs. The other standout performer with the ball was Vicky Mansale, who, in addition to claiming two wickets, exerted further control over the game with her economic spells. With the Sharks managing only 27 runs in 9 overs, the target was a modest one.
In reply, Splashe Mele Bulls made short work of the chase, reaching the target of 28 in just four overs. Gillian Chilia and Wilma Langa led the way with confident strokes, with Chilia’s quickfire 10 from 8 balls setting the tone. Langa’s steady 12 from 16 deliveries ensured that the Bulls remained firmly in control of the proceedings. Despite the challenging conditions, their composed partnership saw them win by 10 wickets, securing their place in the final. The Sharks, meanwhile, struggled to find answers to the Bulls’ precision with both bat and ball, but they will take lessons from their performance as they regroup for future competitions.
The second semifinal featured Ifira Blackbirds taking on Tafea Cricket Club, in what proved to be another thrilling contest. Batting first, Ifira Blackbirds stumbled early, losing opener Qwenneth Joseph to a sharp delivery from Giselle Lekai for just 3 runs. However, their fortunes soon turned around thanks to a valiant innings by captain Rv Andrew. Andrew's impressive 48 off 39 deliveries was the backbone of the Blackbirds’ innings. Her powerful stroke play, combined with her ability to rotate the strike, kept the scoreboard ticking, despite a lack of significant contributions from her teammates. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with Tafea’s bowlers keeping the pressure on throughout the innings. Giselle Lekai and Tizianna Lekai each claimed two wickets, helping to restrict the Blackbirds to 72/7 from their 19 overs.
Tafea Cricket Club’s response with the bat was swift and calculated. Despite losing two early wickets to the excellent bowling of Leisau Andrew, who took three wickets in total, captain Nasimana Navaika steered her side to victory with an unbeaten 34 from 36 balls. Her measured approach, paired with aggressive running between the wickets, saw Tafea recover from a brief wobble to comfortably chase down the target in 10.4 overs. Supported by a rapid 4 runs off just one ball by Kalangi Wotu, the pair ensured that Tafea Cricket Club would advance to the final with a seven-wicket win.
The excitement of the semifinals set the stage for what was expected to be a closely fought final between Splashe Mele Bulls and Tafea Cricket Club. Both teams entered the match with momentum, eager to lift the coveted trophy. However, the weather had other plans. Heavy rainfall in the afternoon forced the abandonment of the grand final before a ball could be bowled. In accordance with the tournament regulations, the team that had finished highest on the points table at the end of the group stage—Splashe Mele Bulls—was awarded the title. While the Bulls celebrated another successful campaign, Tafea Cricket Club will be left wondering what could have been had the weather held off for just a few more hours.
In addition to the exciting matches during the Port Vila Women's T20 Club Championship, individual brilliance shone through, with standout performances rewarded by Player of the Match votes tallied through the CricClubs scoring software. These votes translated into points for the players, highlighting the key contributors throughout the competition.
RV Andrew from Ifira Blackbirds Women led the way, amassing a total of 1077 points from her exceptional performances across six matches. Her all-around ability with both bat and ball, combined with her leadership on the field, earned her the highest tally in the tournament and the prestigious title of Player of the Tournament. Andrew's contributions were instrumental in taking her team to the semifinals.
Gillian Chilia of Splashe Mele Bulls Women followed closely behind, accumulating 583 points from six matches. Chilia’s consistent displays in both batting and bowling helped her team clinch victories, and she was a vital component in the Bulls' journey to the final and their eventual championship win.
Vanessa Vira of Paama Sharks Women, despite her team's challenges, put in remarkable performances, earning 578 points across five matches. Vira's contributions were especially significant in the field, and she claimed the title of Most Wickets, a testament to her vital role as a bowler for her side.
Leisau Andrew, another key player from Ifira Blackbirds Women, garnered 428 points from six matches, showcasing her all-around skills and proving to be a major asset to her team with both the bat and the ball.
RA Kaltongga, also from Ifira Blackbirds Women, earned 384 points from four matches. Her ability to stabilize her team’s innings and contribute key runs was crucial to the Blackbirds’ competitive performances.
Joy Mansale of Splashe Mele Bulls Women was consistent throughout the tournament, earning 380 points across seven matches. Mansale’s impact on the field was a key factor in the Bulls’ dominant performances during the tournament.
Valenta Langiatu of Splashe Mele Bulls Women added 362 points from just two games, a remarkable tally that showcased her ability to make significant contributions in short bursts. Langiatu's points reflect her effectiveness in key moments for the Bulls.
From Tafea Cricket Club, Tizianna Lekai accumulated 350 points across five matches. Her versatility and contributions in all aspects of the game made her one of the standout performers for Tafea as they reached the final.
Selina Solman of North Efate Bushpigs accumulated 344 points from three matches, making her presence felt with consistent performances in both batting and bowling, despite her team’s overall challenges.
Rounding out the top performers was M Mete of Splashe Mele Bulls Women, who earned 314 points from four matches, contributing effectively to the Bulls’ campaign.
Overall, RV Andrew took home the accolades for Most Points and Player of the Tournament, while Vanessa Vira claimed the title of Most Wickets. These players, along with their teammates, showcased the high level of talent in the competition, leaving a lasting impression on the Port Vila Women’s T20 Club Championship.
Vanuatu Cricket extends its congratulations to Splashe Mele Bulls for their exceptional performance throughout the tournament, and to all participating teams for their dedication and hard work. Despite the unfortunate ending to the final, the competition showcased the growing strength of women’s cricket in Vanuatu, with impressive individual performances and teamwork on display in every match.
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