Mele Bulls gore Paama Sharks in Cricket Final

Last Saturday the Mele Bulls completed the 2003 clean sweep when they routed the Paama Sharks in the BDO Club Championship Final.

On a glorious day when the Independence Park outfield was the quickest it has been for years the Paama Sharks won the toss and elected to bat. The Paama innings started well with some resolute batting from in-form Hendry Joewangeh and wounded Iarawoi Rezel. They put on a patient 59 for the first wicket when Iarawoi fell for 25, victim of a slick stumping by the improving Fenety off the bowling of Iain Johns. When Hendry was bowled by Pierre for 49 runs the Sharks were on 4 for 105. At that stage it look like Paama would be able to put up a big score. But when semi-final centurion Paul Farrelly was caught for by Pierre and the Vanair-sponsored Michael Avok followed next ball the Sharks were reeling at 6 for 113. Despite a bold bid by Steve Johnson (17) to hang around the Sharks were all out for 150 with old stager Wai Kim stranded on 0 not out. The destroyer was Rave (Murali) Chilia, who picked up 4 wickets for 29 runs from his six overs assisted by brother, Pierre, who finished with 3/27 from 8 overs.

When Mele came to bat, the Paama skipper, Gary Blake was steaming in. However, the only damage he could inflict was on hapless Wailu who had to retire hurt after a sickening strike to the family jewels. Before that Edy Mansale (19) and Iain Johns got the team off to a good start. Iain showed his best batting form for some time and finished up with a very good 57. At that stage Mele were 2 for 124 and were looking safe. The Mele brains trust had decided that a quick and deadly `coup de grace' was in order and decided to send in Fenety. This was a master stroke. He annihilated Blakey and Aby, the two key Sharks bowlers, with a rapid fire 29 not out off 10 balls.

Fenety finished off the season by slapping Blakey straight back over his head for 6. The ball barely rose a meter off the ground and went like a rocket. Great stuff. Great ending to a fine season. Congratulations to the Bulls. Well done to the Sharks. Both sides have some good young players. Things look bright for Vanuatu Cricket.