Moce Secondary School showcased an outstanding performance in the Fiji Secondary Schools Cricket competition held in Suva, despite facing resource challenges back in their village. In their opening match at Albert Park, Moce Secondary triumphed over Cicia High School by 47 runs.
Batting first, Moce recorded a total of 127 runs in 18.2 overs. In response, Cicia managed to score only 80 runs in 15.3 overs, as Moce navigated the high temperatures of Suva to secure a solid victory.
Manager Teni Davui remarked that the team’s limited resources did not adversely affect the players during their preparation. “We are not that well equipped, but we managed to take over this afternoon. Back in the village, we use plastic bats, and some players train with sticks and a baseball for practice on the island. It was a bit hard for the boys as some of them are competing for the first time. Initially, nerves got the better of some players, but they eventually settled down and performed well,” she explained.
Out of the 56 students enrolled at the school, 14 are part of the cricket team, which includes players from Year 9 to Year 13. The team arrived in Suva last Thursday, and Davui expressed disbelief at their success, stating, “Back at home, we heard we would face schools that are more advanced in cricket, but we believed in God and achieved success in round one against Cicia High School.”
The team is set to compete against the Cricket Fiji Invitational team today at 9 AM on pitch one at Albert Park.
In other match results, Ratu Finau defeated Ba Provincial Freebird Institute by 103 runs, while the CF Invitational team overcame Nabua Secondary School by seven wickets. Additionally, John Wesley and Suva Grammar played to a draw, both finishing with 115 runs.