Moce win Fiji's inaugural women's championship

The Moce Islanders have won the inaugural National Women’s Cricket Championship despite a slight hiccup on the final day.

Moce lost their final game against Suva Flying Angels but still managed to lead the points tally at the end of the week long tournament. The game was a nail biter with Suva winning the toss and electing to bat first. Sera Kaukiono (17) and Luanne Rika (17) opened the batting and got Suva off to a good start before Kaukiono smashed a ball to square leg only to see the fielder hold the hottest of chances. Iva Volavola (16) batted patiently in the middle order to help steer her team to a competitive total of 103. Mereia Tilau was the pick of the Moce bowlers taking 5 for 21 while Ana Maidela also chipped in with three wickets.

The win looked all but assured for Suva as they raced through the top order to leave Moce struggling at 39 for 8, but the Islanders were not done yet. Miriam Talatoka was part of two partnerships that each put on 30 to bring Moce within striking distance of victory. However, when Luanne Rika bowled Talatoka for 28 the Moce innings was finished just four runs short of their target.

Despite the loss, Moce finished ahead of Suva thanks to their extra bonus points accrued during the tournament, ensuring they would take the first National Women’s Championship back to the Lau Islands.

At the Army Barracks Ground, Nadi Jetsetters recorded their second win of the tournament by outclassing Veimataqali on the final day.After winning the toss and electing to bat the runs were shared equally among the batsmen as they amassed an impressive 206. Makalesi Mada top scored with 24 while opener Makerita Tuidraki set the basis for the innings with 23. Ana Topati and Talei Soko each claimed three wickets for Veimataqali.

The Veimataqali bats never really got going in the run chase as they were dismissed for 35, giving the Jetsetters a 171-run victory. Mareta Vuadrea was the best of the Nadi bowlers taking 6 for 13 from her seven overs. The win pushed Nadi to eight points, level with Suva but the Jetsetters finished ahead of the Angles on net run rate.