The Women’s Island Cricket Program (WICP) came to wind up its 2016 WICP Season seeing the Cricket Community gather in a Closing ceremony on the beautiful village of Erakor. The day ended with an exciting and fun Island Cricket Grand Final of the 2016 NCDs Cup between Mele and Ifira.
The WICP’s morning ceremony of 18 November was greeted with the presence of invited guests being the Secretary of the Australian High Commission Malcom Paterson, Ministry of Health’s Graham Tabi, Vanuatu Cricket Association’s (VCA) General Manager Pierre Chilia, a representative of the Chief, Pastor, and together with the local women of other communities.
Speeches and, presentations of certificates awarded to 30 mamas for their successful commitment to the 20-weeks of Women’s Island Cricket Program highlighted the morning’s activity. The 2nd Secretary of the Australian High Commission remarked on how happy he was to see a good number of mamas have now come to realize the importance of the Program because it contributed tremendously to their physical health along with the Nutrition Class they attended at Wan Smol Bag have helped them prepare good and healthy food for them and their families.
The Island Cricket Grand Finals between Mele and Ifira was the spectrum of the afternoon that livened up Erakor village’s football field where the match occurred.
A tough match it had been between both sides but Mele proved to everyone that she was capable to defeat a strong Ifira side. Ifira had earlier won the toss and decided to field. In the first innings Mele recorded a 49 runs against a 23 Ifira side. Ifira came in to bat in the 2nd innings scoring 43 runs to bring her score to a total of 66 runs. It was Mele’s best batsman Maeva Langa who attempted a mighty 24 run score to escape the slim margin but dance to a total of 67 runs victory to claim the 2016 WICP title!
VCA’s Women’s Cricket Supervisor (WCS) Amelia Lawac told Daily Sports that, “VCA would like to enormously thank ol the mamas of Ifira, Pango, Seaside, Mele and Erakor for their commitment to involve themselves in this year’s Program. Their presence and contribution in the 2016 Women’s Island Cricket Program has made this year another successful one!
“Vanuatu Cricket Association would further like to pay gratitude to the Chief and Community of Erakor village to deliver this Program, with the mamas of Erakor.
A special word of gratitude is conveyed to the Australian Aid through its PSP Funding for its sincere assistance and support to this Program”, WCS Amelia said.
SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST