By Casey O'Connor
Overcast skies and showers weren’t enough to dampen the spirit and love of the game as a mixed Vanuatu Cricket team faced off against the Stanthorpe Davis Cup representative team at Stamthorpe on Friday night.
As the covers went down on the wicket, team Vanuatu received game day caps from Neville Bell representing Red Jewel Farming.
Bell, a former Stanthorpe cricketer himself, said Red Jewel were proud to be part of the team’s journey joking they should now be known as the “Red Jewel Runners.”
When the covers came off and play got underway it was Stanthorpe who won the toss and batted.
Selina Solman, Rachel Andrew, Nasimana Navaika and Nalin Nipiko were amongst the wicket takers early in the innings. Ryan Hines scored a classy 64 runs off 39 balls before retiring.
Callum Blake who co-ordinates the player’s training said, “Overall, it was a fine effort in the field, with everyone contributing in one way or another.”
Nipiko got Vanuatu off to a flyer with the bat scoring 30 quick runs. The Dud Davis bowling line-up combined to claim some quick wickets.
Clement Tommy pulled out all his tricks to score an impressive unbeaten 78 runs off 46 balls.
Leimauri Chillia and Kenny Tari both chipped in with the bat at the end to support Tommy.
Both teams had a great hit out with everyone having a chance with either the bat, the ball or in the field.
For the record Vanuatu narrowly won the game chasing down Stanthorpe’s 142 runs.
