Ono-i-Lau displayed impressive fielding and bowling performance, leading them to a semi-final victory against Lakeba A in the Lau Cricket competition held in Tubou, Lautoka. Their commendable performance saw Ono score 122 runs, surpassing Lakeba’s total of 103 runs, as reported in a piece from The Fiji Times on May 12, 1990.
Mesake Cama emerged as Ono’s top scorer with 41 runs, while other players contributing to the team’s total included Asaeli Bale with 25 runs, Taitusi Tuityawa with 18 runs, and Jeremaia Veiseyaki with 14 runs. For Lakeba, Alisaya Lutukiwai was the leading scorer with 31 runs, followed by Viliame Tuinaceva and Josetaki Nopoci who scored 12 and 10 runs, respectively.
This victory for Ono not only secured their spot in the finals against the winner of the Komo-Lakeba C match but also marked a significant upset, as Lakeba had been the reigning champions of the Lau meet since 1985. The win has boosted the morale of the Ono cricket team, which had previously been overshadowed by rugby in the region during the 1960s and early 1970s. Cricket, however, made a strong comeback in the island during the early 1980s, highlighted by Ono’s Crompton Cup victory in 1984. Since then, local sports organizers have focused on youth cricket development, and this recent win over a historical champion like Lakeba showcases the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Furthermore, the celebrations for Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s 70th birthday added a festive ambiance to the island, culminating in a week of feasting and various sports events, including finals across multiple disciplines. The Lau provincial team for the upcoming Island Zone rugby championship in Suva this August was also announced, bringing excitement to the local sports community. Guests participating in the celebrations are expected to depart the island shortly after the festivities.
This victory and the ongoing celebrations reflect a revived energy in Ono cricket and sports overall, fostering a hopeful outlook for the future of the island’s athletic endeavors.
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