Dubbo and the ICC combine to help Fijian cricket to good times

For a man who has endured tough times as Fiji Cricket Association President, Peter Knight is displaying uncharacteristic optimism regarding the future of our game in the island nation.

"The prospects are exciting," Mr. Knight said yesterday.

"We are now into our development programme with the installation of articial turf pitches and practice wickets in the major centres," Mr. Knight added.

Mr. Knight attributes much of the new hope for Fijian cricket to the appointment of ICC East Asia-Pacific Development Officer, Mr. Andrew Eade.

"Andrew's appointment has been a real shot in the arm. He has already been here twice and and has been very supportive."

It was through ICC funding that the wickets and practice facilities have become a reality.

Mr. Eade is also overseeing the appointment of the FCA's first full-time Operations Manager and is presently reviewing applications.

Mindful of a perceived lack of interest in cricket in Fiji, Mr. Eade is investigating the possibility of staging an annual "Cricket Max" tournament in Fiji. He and the main proponent of Cricket Max, New Zealand great, Martin Crowe, recently visited Fiji to investigate the potential.

"If the thing gets off the ground, it is hoped to bring over a couple of big names each year to gain publicity," Mr. Knight said.

Former Fijian, Australia A and New South Wales and Victorian all-rounder, Neil Maxwell, will also make periodic visits to Fiji to oversee the national senior and under 20 teams' preparations. Maxwell's involvement is part of Fiji's build-up for next year's ICC Trophy in Toronto, Canada.

Another positive sign for the FCA are early nominations for Fiji's biggest event, Easter's Crompton Cup. Already eight overseas teams have nominated for the Cup, seven from Australia and one from New Zealand, the Cup's best overseas contingent for many years.

The FCA has been further boosted by a unique piece of generosity from the NSW country town of Dubbo. The central western town's local Cricket Association, eager to do something tangible to help cricket's growth, annually sends official Carl Sharpe to assist in various capacities. Mr. Sharpe twice yearly visits Fiji to instruct local coaches on correct methods. His role is vital, Mr. Knight added. "Another impediment to getting cricket into the schools is that none of the teachers are familiar with our game."

Development has also been bolstered by the work of honorary Development OFficers, Richard Wotta, and Jone Salele. Mr. Knight credits Mr. Wotta and Mr. Salele with helping slow the stagnation of cricket in Nadi and Lambasa respectively. "Jone has been instrumental in having cricket played in secondary and primary schools in Lambasa."

While encouraged by recent events, Mr. Knight remains a realist.

"The next two years are really make or break," Mr. Knight said. "If after all of these things there is still no change, then it could be desperate."

"In Suva, which has traditionally been the stronghold of cricket here, there are five clubs - 10 years ago there were 16."

"The district competitions are not going as well as they should."

Cricket in Fiji has suffered through the explosion of rugby sevens, which along with soccer, is now played almost year-round. This forces the FCA to stage its league competitions during the Fijian rainy season. It has also severely hampered ground availability.

The five Suva clubs are Moce, Army, Queen Victoria Schools Old Boys, Telecom and VICC. Two players from last season's premier, Moce, Iniase Cakacaka and Waisale Tukana have switched to QVSOB.

Six clubs compete in Nadi - County, Salvation Army, Nakau, Rebels, MCC and Air Pacific. With the Lautoka competition now defunct, two teams compete in Nadi.