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

The long awaited Dewar Shield challenge got under way in perfect conditions in Tubou on Monday. The ground was packed before the game and well over half of Lakeba's population of 2,400 was present at the match at one time or another. Ground conditions were excellent and there can be few more attractive grounds on which to play cricket. Tubou won the toss and put Suva in to bat. Only Iniasi Cakacaka (30) and Jo Dabea (36 n. o. ) could make any progress against the Tubou attack, in which 53 year old ex Fiji rep Peni Dakai was the principle wicket taker with 7 wickets for 53 runs. Suva could amass only 114 runs and were all out in only 38.3 overs of careless, and at times senseless, batting. The Tubou side set about getting the runs very quickly with Fiji rep Joji Bulabalavu hitting all 30 of the first 30 runs, before he was out to a good catch. Tubou went on to make 154 in the first innings with other good scores by Eroni Tadu (22), Maika Kamikamica (20) and Taniela Naulivou (31 n.o.). For Suva captain Joeli Mateyawa took 6 wickets for 50 runs. This gave Tubou a lead on the first innings of 40.

Suva's second innings followed much the same pattern as the first and few lessons seemed to have been learnt as players once again lost patience against the steady but amiable deliveries of Dakai. A good opening partnership of 21 between Greg Brown and Taione Cakacaka, followed by another good innings of 36 by Iniasi Cakacaka, saw Suva at 71 for 4, but no one seemed able to restrain themselves for long and wickets fell at regular intervals, only Sakiusa Yalasiya (22) getting beyond 20. Suva batted almost 50 overs being all out for 151 in 49.5 overs. This was a lead of 111 runs. Once again, veteran Dakai was the chief wicket taker for Tubou, taking 5 for 56.

In the rules of the competition Tubou needed only to score 111 to hold the shield. They made a slow start, losing 2 wickets for 13, and giving Suva some hope. However, Lesi Sorovakatini (24) and Maika Kamikamica (23) took the score to 53 for 3, and from this point Suva could make little headway and a fine innings of 40 by Fiji rep Jo Sorovakatini, the highest score of the match, saw Tubou home with 4 wickets to spare, scoring 112 for 6 wickets. Mateyawa and Yalasiya took 2 wickets each for Suva.

The shield still stays in Lakeba to await another challenge, and if the enthusiasm raised by the competition is anything to go by, the next challenge should not be long away.

The competition was keen and the match was close, but the standard of cricket was generally disappointing. Particularly disappointing was how few younger players were selected by either side, and the dominance of the veterans of the sides.

The umpires were Suliasi Naulivou from Lakeba and Tony Cooper from Fiji Cricket.

Scores :

Suva first innings

T Cakacaka 6, G Brown 4, S Tuiwai 4, I Cakacaka 30, J Mateyawa 5, J Dabea 36*, T Colati 0, S Yalisaya 0, J Seuvou 1, J Bokogi 7, P Rika 4. Extras 17 Total all out 114

Bowling for Tubou Peni Dakai 7-53, Meleki 3-43

Tubou first innings

L Sorovakatini 18, J Bulabalavu 30, J Sorovakatini 0, Eroni Tadu 22, Watisoni 9, Peni Dakai 8, M Kamikamica 20, T Naulivou 26*, K Vueta 1, Temo S. 2, Meleki 6, Extras 7, Total for 10 wickets 154

Bowling for Suva Joeli Mateyawa 6-50, J Seuvou 2-29, J Dabea 2-24

Suva second innings

T Cakacaka 13, G Brown 13, S Tuiwai 11, I Cakacaka 36, J Mateyawa 15, J Dabea 4, T Colati1 4, S Yalisaya 27, J Seuvou 0, J Bokogi 6, P Rika 1*, Extras 11, Total all out 151

Bowling for Tubou Peni Dakai 5-56, Meleki 2-14

Tubou second innings

L Sorovakatini 24, Watisoni 2, Eroni Tadu 0, M Kamikamica 23, J Sorovakatini 40* Peni Dakai 22, J Bulabalavu 9, T Naulivou 6*, Extras 4 Total for 6 wickets 154

Bowling for Suva Joeli Mateyawa 2-31, J Seuvou 1-37, J Dabea 1-22, S Yalisaya 2-22

RESULT:- TUBOU WON BY 4 WICKETS

© ICC