Fiji: Nation's best vie for ICC Trophy places at annual Crompton Cu

Fiji's cricketers have their last chance this Easter weekend to sneak into their country's final ICC Trophy 15 at the annual Crompton Cup, which started yesterday (Thursday, January 12).

Fijian administrators have indicated the squad for the qualifying tournament for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa will be based around that which represented it at the recent Pacifica Cup.

However, outstanding performances at this weekend's tournament may be enough for 'outsiders' to sneak into the squad for the most important matches Fijian cricketers will play in.

The Suva teams, Crusaders and Warriors, as well as Lakeba and Moce are expected to challenge with Lautoka an outside chance.

Crusaders and Warriors are expected to look to the Sorovakatini brothers, Lesi, Tavo and Suvi, to lead them into Monday's final.

Waisake Tukana, benefactor of a season in Goulburn, New South Wales, and winner of the individual batting and bowling awards at last year's Cup, should be a key performer for Moce.

Lakeba's Joji Bulabalavu was the leading wicket-taker at the recent Pacifica Cup and is a useful and aggressive top order batsman.

Nadi will benefit from rep. players, Navatu and Bakewa, and has some national under 19 squad members who could surprise.

The strength of Lautoka is unknown, and they are another potential surprise element. It cricketers have been unable to take the field for the last few weeks due to periodic cyclonic conditions.

Political instability eminating from last year's coup has discouraged overseas entrants, and for the first time in several years, it will be an all Fijian affair.

Draws
Thursday, 12th April 2001
Lautoka Pool
9.a.m.
Lautoka -v- Moce  (Churchill Park 2) FCA
Cicia -v- Suva Warriors (Nadovu)  FCA
2.p.m.
Lautoka -v- Suva Warriors (Churchill Park 2) FCA
Moce -v- Cicia  (Nadovu)  FCA
Nadi Pool
9.a.m.
Nadi -v- Komo  (Nadi College)  FCA
Tubou -v- Suva Crusaders (Nadi Muslim)  FCA
Labasa bye
2.p.m.
Nadi -v- Suva Crusaders (Nadi Muslim)  FCA
Tubou -v- Labasa  (Nadi College)  Komo
Komo bye
Friday, April 13
Lautoka Pool
9 a.m.
Moce -v Suva Warriors (Churchill Park 2) FCA
Cicia -v- Lautoka  (Nadovu)  FCA
Nadi Pool
9 a.m.
Nadi -v-  Labasa  (Nadi College)  Tubou
Komo -v-  Suva Crusaders (Nadi Muslim)  FCA
Tubou  bye
2 p.m.
Nadi  -v- Tubou  (Nadi Muslim)  Suva
Komo  -v- Labasa  (Nadi College)  FCA
Suva Crusaders bye
Saturday 14th April 2001
Nadi Pool
9 a.m.
Suva  -v- Labasa   (Nadi College)  FCA
Komo -v- Tubou   (Nadi Muslim)  Nadi
Nadi   bye
Lautoka Pool
9 p.m.
Winner Lautoka Pool -v- 4th place Lautoka Pool (Churchill Park 2) FCA
Runner up Lautoka   -v- 3rd place Lautoka Pool (Nadovu)    FCA
Top two teams in Lautoka pool travel to Nadi for semi-final playoffs at 2pm
Semi final Playoff
2 p.m.
Winner Nadi Pool   -v- Runner up Lautoka Pool   (Nadi Muslim)   FCA
Winner Lautoka Pool -v- Runner up Nadi Pool   (Nadi College)    FCA
Monday 16th April
10 a.m.
Final Play off    (Nadi Muslim)   FCA
Top two teams in each pool qualify for third place play-off.