U19 women’s cricket comp date confirmed

The inaugural Fiji Women’s Under-19 cricket competition will be played from May 5–8.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Cricket Fiji chief executive officer Sitiveni Rokoro said this year marks a significant milestone for women’s cricket development in the country.

“This year, it’s a bit challenging for women’s cricket, especially the Under-19s, because we will be holding the first-ever national women’s Under-19 tournament,” Rokoro said.

He said competition would take place during the fi rst week of the school holidays from May 5-8.

Rokoro noted that while Cricket Fiji has consistently hosted U19 men’s tournaments, the women’s category has only been participating in zonal competitions.

“For the past four years, since we revived women’s Under-19 cricket, they have only competed at zonal level.

“This year will be the fi rst national competition for the Under- 19 women,” he said.

Rokoro confirmed that teams would come from the Southern Zone, the West, and the top-performing schools from the maritime zones.

“The top four teams from the Southern Zone semi-finalists will participate. Joining them will be the top teams from the West and three schools from the maritime zone. They are Moce Secondary School, Kabara Secondary School, Ratu Finau College and Cicia High School,” he said.

Rokoro said all the teams would travel to Suva since it is holidays.

He added that the competition would provide valuable opportunities for young female players, including those selected into national squads.

“It’s a significant opportunity for us. It serves as a selection pathway not only for the Under- 19 national team."