What a difference two years makes!
When you make a return visit to Vanuatu it is as if time stood still. The same could probably be said of many Pacific Island nations, such is their relaxed, communal way of life
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However, that is a totally different story for cricket in Vanuatu, & the whole EAP region for that matter. Cricket has come a long way in this time, with participation levels booming. For those familiar with the Vanuatu CA's flagship oval for many years, Independence Park (whose world famous slope from east to west puts Lord's to shame) is now a constant hive of activity for many cricket mad youngsters. Barely a minute goes by when you can't see some enthusiastic boys honing their skills in the nets, or playing a fun game with friends, or just discussing how they will be Vanuatu's next star.
Some things haven't changed. The VCA has a very dedicated & talented group of volunteers that timelessly help give more people the chance to enjoy this great game. Pierre Chillia, the VCA's Community Cricket Manager, continues to get great results with their juniors. He has been joined by Andrew Mansale, a true success story of EAP cricket & Vanuatu's development program. He is fast becoming the face of the sport in Vanuatu having been the first product of the junior Westpac Kanga Cricket League to reach the national team. He hasn't just reached it either. He has been a stand out performer at the recent ICC EAP Cup in Port Vila.
But Vanuatu's success doesn't end here. They have produced 2 more grounds, created a fantastic U/15 development program that saw them recently finish 2nd in the region & have established a pathway that recently saw 8 players under 20 play in the national side. Again, they didn't merely play either. They achieved their best ever result by finishing 3rd, & almost beat both finalists along the way.
It is exciting to walk the streets & see how many people are wearing cricket shirts. I could have sworn I was back at the SCG, with so many NSW shirts around. Every trip we try to leave as many as we can to say thanks for being a part of the extended cricket family. Every now & then I noticed a Bushrangers shirt. How did they get here? They must have washed up on shore because surely no one really wants them. (Just kidding. It's great to see how all of Australia is getting behind these developing countries) I thought I would only be heading back with the shirt on my back as I tried to leave as much as possible. But for everything I left I would receive an island shirt in its place as a thank you for my time.
One of the most rewarding experiences of these trips is being emersed in the local culture. While my Bislama is still ordinary at best it is fun trying to speak it & appreciated by the people. Visiting Mele village was a highlight. This tiny village is home to half the national team & they put on a huge feast for us all. Roast pig, tuluk (beef, onion & fat among other things) & laplap (banana) were all delicious.
What a fantastic experience. I have been fortunate to meet many truly wonderful people from many countrie. The standard of cricket from all countries here at the ICC EAP Cup has risen dramatically, with almost all countries seriously challenging for a place in the final. In the end it was Japan & the Cook Islands who reached the final, with their experienced players being the difference. One thing is for certain though, it will be even closer next time!
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