Lawaki Primary School and Dawasamu District School walked away as champions in the Northland under-14 Cricket competition held at the Waidalice School ground last week Saturday, July5.
The event saw 26 male and female teams from 13 schools around north Tailevu take part in a day of competitive cricket.
In the boys’ division, Lawaki Primary School took out the top spot, followed by Navunisea Primary School in second place, Korovou Primary School in third, and Ratu Filimoni Loco Memorial finishing fourth.
For the girls, Dawasamu District School claimed the title. Navunisea Primary School finished as runners-up, Lawaki Primary placed third, and Nilagotabus Primary School came fourth.
Cricket Fiji chief executive officer Sitiveni Rokoro said the competition was the result of a term-long effort in schools.
“This is the culmination of the school clinics conducted in these schools this school term,” he said.
Rokoro said the aim was to introduce the Criiio cricket program, develop cricket skills, prepare students for competitions and train teachers to carry the program forward.
The Criiio cricket program is an initiative by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
It uses a fun and simple eight-week lesson plan to teach students the basics of batting, bowling, and fielding.
“We wanted the students to enjoy their first experience of cricket, and this was a great platform for that,” said Rokoro.
“It introduces the fundamentals of cricket and how to support qualified coaches in delivering fun, engaging sessions for beginners.”
He said the next step is for teachers to complete the ICC Foundation Coaching course, followed by the ICC Level 1 coaching certification.
The next competition will be the inaugural Serua Primary School Cricket on July 19 in Navua.
