Moce Secondary School defeated Cicia High School by 48 runs during the 2024 Fiji Secondary School National Men’s U19 Cricket Tournament in Suva.
As they were crowned the secondary school cricket champions, the team was also excited about a few of its players being selected to be part of the Fiji national team.
Eight of the Moce Secondary School cricket team, according to a Government statement have been selected to compete in an upcoming cricket tournament in Japan.
During the U19 tournament, Suva Grammar School managed to win against Ratu Finau Secondary School in the third and fourth place play-off by five wickets – securing them the third-place spot.
After winning the competition, the team from Moce visited the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at his residence.
Ratu Wiliame in receiving the team, challenged them to secure contracts with overseas cricket franchises.
He said the team’s achievement was worth commending and he encouraged the young players to strive for bigger things.
He said students from rural and maritime backgrounds came to Suva with their minds set on achieving their goals.
“You have just proved that last week when you outplayed your opponents and made your school and the vanua Delaimakotu proud,” he said.
“You have showcased what a little island can achieve, and it is something that will be an inspiration to your fellow students back on the island and other aspiring cricket players.”
He highlighted that cricket was now being revived on the mainland and he encouraged the students to promote the sport on their homeland.
Ratu Wiliame explained that since cricket is a lucrative game worldwide, it is the players responsibility to pursue their dreams and strive to become the best in their endeavours.
“You have a lot to offer to the sport of cricket and as my Tovata, your kinsmen have proven this over the years when they grasped the game from the European settlers who introduced it to Fiji.
“Strive to become good batsmen, good fielders, and wicketkeepers.
“I look forward to seeing one of you secure a contract with a cricket club overseas, and I hope that when I retire, I will get to hear the news back home in Macuata.”
President Katonivere also expressed his gratitude for the support of the vanua Delaimakotu, the parents, teachers, and fellow students of Moce Secondary School for their valuable assistance to the cricket team.
