Moce Secondary School triumphed over Cicia High School by 48 runs in the 2024 Fiji Secondary School National Men’s U19 Cricket Tournament held in Suva. With this victory, Moce Secondary School claimed the title of secondary school cricket champions, further enhancing their excitement as several players were selected for the Fiji national team.
According to a government announcement, eight members of the Moce team have been chosen to participate in an upcoming cricket tournament in Japan. In other tournament highlights, Suva Grammar School secured third place by defeating Ratu Finau Secondary School by five wickets in the third and fourth place playoff.
Following their championship win, the Moce team visited President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at his residence. During the meeting, the President challenged the young athletes to aim for contracts with overseas cricket franchises. Ratu Wiliame praised the team’s achievements and urged them to pursue greater aspirations.
He noted that students from rural and maritime areas come to Suva with ambitious goals. “You proved your determination last week by outplaying your opponents and making your school and the vanua Delaimakotu proud,” he remarked.
Ratu Wiliame emphasized the potential of cricket to inspire other students back home and encouraged the players to revive the sport in their communities. He explained that cricket is a profitable sport globally, and players should seize the opportunity to realize their dreams and excel in the game.
“You have much to contribute to cricket, and your community has shown this throughout the years since the sport was introduced by European settlers,” he added. He looked forward to seeing one of the players secure an overseas contract and expressed hope of hearing about their success in his native Macuata.
President Katonivere also extended his gratitude to the vanua Delaimakotu, as well as the parents, teachers, and peers of Moce Secondary School, for their essential support of the cricket team.