The 2024 Splashe Men’s National Youth Championships came to a spectacular close on September 6th, as the Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars triumphed over Seaside School U19 Men by 39 runs in the final. The Outreach Stars’ disciplined bowling and key contributions from their all-rounders sealed a hard-fought victory, capping off what was an intense and fiercely competitive tournament.
The Final: Resilient Outreach Stars Clinch Title
The final match between Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars and Seaside School U19 Men was a gripping contest. Batting first, the Outreach Stars found themselves under pressure early, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, crucial contributions from Fornelly August (22 off 39 balls) and Waane Sirovulu (21 off 33 balls) helped them recover and post 98/9 from 19.5 overs. Extras played a significant role, with Seaside conceding 21 runs in wides and other sundries, keeping the score competitive.
Seaside’s bowlers were relentless, led by Rodrick Lekai (4-0-11-2) and Graig Melten (3.5-0-29-3), both of whom took important wickets to keep the pressure on. The Outreach Stars’ innings appeared to be faltering at various points, but they managed to pull through to set a challenging target of 99.
In reply, Seaside School struggled against the Outreach Stars’ disciplined bowling attack. The standout performer, Patrick Kafu, delivered a devastating spell, taking 4 wickets for 12 runs from his 4 overs. His efforts were supported by Justin Palmer, who claimed 3 wickets for 16 runs, and Nathaniel Laden, who chipped in with 2 wickets. Despite a brief fightback from Rodrick Lekai (13 off 7 balls) and Neto Wotu (12 off 67 balls), Seaside were bowled out for 59 in 19.5 overs, handing the Outreach Stars a convincing 39-run victory.
Road to the Final: Outreach Stars Defeat Tournament Favorites Malapoa College in Semis
One of the tournament’s biggest surprises came in the semi-finals, where the Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars knocked out the highly-favored Malapoa College U19 Men. Malapoa, led by the tournament’s top run-scorer Raymondo Lekai, were the team to beat throughout the tournament, dominating the group stages with strong performances.
In their semi-final clash, the Outreach Stars put on an excellent display of teamwork and resilience. Batting first, they posted 120/6 in their 20 overs, with Waane Sirovulu leading the charge once again, scoring 51 off 39 balls. Malapoa’s chase faltered early as their top order struggled to deal with the pressure applied by the Outreach Stars’ bowlers. Justin Palmer and Isaac Pisiroe were instrumental in restricting Malapoa to 72/6, ensuring a 48-run victory for the Outreach Stars and a place in the final.
This semi-final upset sent shockwaves through the tournament, as Malapoa College were widely regarded as the favorites to win the championship. With players like Raymondo Lekai, who had scored 244 runs in the tournament, and a strong bowling attack, their elimination opened the door for the Outreach Stars to claim their first championship title.
Key Performances Throughout the Tournament
The 2024 Splashe Men’s National Youth Championships was filled with standout performances across all teams, showcasing the depth of talent in Vanuatu’s youth cricket scene.
Raymondo Lekai (Malapoa College U19 Men) emerged as the tournament’s top run-scorer, amassing 244 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 169.44. His aggressive batting style was crucial in Malapoa’s journey to the semi-finals, and he notched up three fifties during the tournament.
Waane Sirovulu (Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars) played a pivotal role in his team’s success, scoring 197 runs and delivering important contributions with the ball. His all-round performance, particularly in high-pressure situations, made him a standout player throughout the competition.
Rodrick Lekai (Seaside School U19 Men) was a key performer with both bat and ball, scoring 147 runs and taking 15 wickets in 8 matches. His all-round abilities helped Seaside School reach the final and were critical in keeping them competitive throughout the tournament.
Patrick Kafu (Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars) was the hero of the final, with a match-winning bowling spell of 4/12, but his contributions were consistent across the tournament, and his ability to perform under pressure was a major factor in his team’s victory.
Landell Tamalua (Seaside School U19 Men) was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets, including a brilliant 6/4 in the group stages. His accuracy and ability to break partnerships made him a constant threat to opposition batsmen
Tournament Recap: Thrills and Surprises
The group stage of the tournament was fiercely contested, with Malapoa College U19 Men, Seaside School U19 Men, Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars, and Splashe Mele Bulls U19 Men all vying for a place in the knockouts. While Malapoa dominated early with comprehensive wins, the Seaside School U19 Men pulled off notable victories, including their 7-wicket win over Malapoa College during the group stage.
The Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars showed resilience, bouncing back from early setbacks to secure crucial wins that propelled them to the semi-finals. Their victory over Splashe Mele Bulls by 17 runs in the group stage was a turning point, building their confidence for the knockout rounds.
The semi-finals were packed with drama, with Seaside School routing Splashe Mele Bulls in a dominant performance, bowling them out for 27 and chasing the target down in just 4 overs. However, it was the Outreach Stars’ triumph over Malapoa College that will be remembered as the most significant moment of the tournament, showcasing the unpredictability of youth cricket and the rising talent across Vanuatu.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Youth Cricket in Vanuatu
The 2024 Splashe Men’s National Youth Championships has not only crowned a new champion but also highlighted the growth of youth cricket in Vanuatu. With outstanding individual performances, close-fought matches, and surprise upsets, the tournament has been a testament to the passion and talent of Vanuatu’s young cricketers.
As the tournament concludes, the Vanuatu Cricket Association remains committed to nurturing young talent and ensuring that Vanuatu’s next generation of cricketers continues to thrive on both national and international stages.
For more information on upcoming youth tournaments and cricket development programs, please visit cricket.vu or contact Jamal Vira at jamal.vira@cricket.vu.
The 2024 Splashe Men’s National Youth Championships has been a thrilling showcase of talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the Splashe Men’s Outreach Stars, the new champions of Vanuatu youth cricket!
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