The Southern Zone under-19 Men’s Cricket competition began on Saturday with three schools making their debut. Lelean Memorial School, Tailevu North College, and Nabua Secondary School joined the existing roster, bringing the total to 10 schools competing over six weeks at Albert Park in Suva.
Cricket Fiji president Sitiveni Rokoro noted the competitive nature of the first-round matches. “John Wesley College, led by two national U19 representatives from last year’s EAP World Cup qualifier, narrowly defeated Lami High School by one run,” Rokoro reported.
Lami High School showed considerable improvement from the previous year, and the debuting schools—Lelean Memorial, Nabua Secondary, and Tailevu North College—also made a strong impression in their initial games. Rokoro highlighted that Queen Victoria School, Marist Brothers High School, and John Wesley College are key contenders this year. Four players from last year’s national U19 team are now playing for their respective schools, with two at John Wesley College and one each at Marist and Lelean Memorial.
Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, aiming for a spot in the national U19 Men’s tournament scheduled for August 27-30, 2024. “The teams are fully aware of this opportunity and are intensifying their preparations for the weekly matches,” Rokoro added.
The competition will proceed this Saturday at Albert Park in Suva.