East Asia-Pacific Archive

Cricket Challenge to Stop the Island Nation

November 10, 2001

The current holders, Tubou, with the prized Dewar Shield Photo © ICC

The Fijian cricket community will come to standstill in the second week of October as the famous Dewar Shield Challenge takes place between Tubou-Lakeba and Suva. Suva's challenge shall be the first for almost ten years, and with the shield having been safely secured on the island of Lakeba for the past 39 years, victory will be a tough task for the Suva side.

The Dewar Shield Challenge represents the long established rivalry that exists between Fiji's various cricketing centres, and its legacy dates back some 87 years. During this time it has been held by Suva, Bau, Lautoka, Nadi, but now sits in Tubou on the Lau group island of Lakeba.

In order for a game to be played for the shield, a challenge must be made. This was done by Suva earlier this year, with the date set for the 8th, 9th and 10th of October. In regard to the challenge, Fiji Cricket Operations Manager Robin Carr said, "the match is expected to be fiercely contested, and as past challenges have shown, all of the facets of cricket gamesmanship will be brought into play. There is nervousness in the Suva camp already, and the Tubou side is known to be preparing hard for a tough defence."

However the challenges to be faced by the Suva side may begin well before they step onto the Tubou ground. It must be understood that the logistics of travel to Lakeba are not easy. Air Fiji flies a small plane in and out of Suva once a week - on a Thursday - and boat trips via inter island trading vessels can be long and sometimes arduous. The boat often stops at a number of islands before getting to Lakeba, and it can take up to a week. Sometimes a stop at an island can offer the chance of a game of cricket against the local side. The Suva team is hoping for a long enough stop in Cicia to play a match - but it depends on schedules. They will probably have to leave Suva on October 1st and arrive on the 4th or 5th, ready for a game against another Lakeba side in preparation for the challenge.

Notwithstanding preparation or travel, there is no doubt that by 10am on October 8, both sides will be ready for battle. This Dewar Shield Challenge has been long awaited by the Fijian cricket community, and it promises to be a historic contest. Let the games begin.

Tim Anderson
ICC Development Officer
East Asia Pacific Region

The Dewar Shield Challenge – History and Playing Conditions

New Facilities on show for Dewar Shield Challenge

© ICC