Fiji say bring on World Cricket League

Fiji completed the bi-lateral series in full flight today as they defeated Vanuatu by 133 runs in the last of the 3 matches played at Albert Park in Suva to secure a 3-0 series victory.

As the series has progressed it has become more evident that the size, power and experience of the Fiji team has given them the edge against a Vanuatu team mixed with a few veterans and a number of young players who still qualify for U19's. Herein lies the positive for Vanuatu in that up to half a dozen young talented players will be harder and better for this experience and can look forward to the EAP U19 World Cup qualifier scheduled for July 2007.

Batting first Fiji openers Kida and Navatu made a careful but solid start combining for 35 runs before Navatu was dismissed and that brought the star of the second match Cakacaka to the crease. He and Kida (47) again proved thorns in Vanuatu's aspirations as they pushed the score towards 100.

Vanuatu stayed in the contest in the middle part of the Fiji innings with tight bowling and enthusiastic fielding and had restricted Fiji to less than 3 per over for the first 30 overs.

However, the powerful Fiji bats smashed several boundaries and launched a couple of slog sweeps for six up onto the road that passes by Albert Park and pushed the score to 8 for 208 at the completion of their 50 overs.

Given the size of the chase it was critical Vanuatu make a good start and preserve wickets, unfortunately for the visitors this was not the case.

A succession of early wickets fell leaving Vanuatu at 7 for 29 with bowlers Tavo ( 3 for 8) and Jone Sevou (3 for 11) making the 208 run target appear out of reach.

Ben Kingsbury with 32 not out provided the Vanuatu batting scorecard with some respect before they were bowled out for 75 in the 34th over.

Fiji captain Seci was impressed with his side's performance "We had a good chat after the first match where we just scraped home and the team responded with improved performances in the 2nd and 3rd matches. This series victory gives us a lot of confidence as we head to Darwin in May for World Cricket League Division 3".

For Vanuatu that will now turn their attention to preparations for the EAP U/19 World Cup qualifier that will be staged in Port Vila, Vanuatu and feature many of the players that gained experience in this series.