Young cricketers from eight primary schools showcased their talent and sportsmanship as 18 teams battled for top honours during the Suva Zone Primary Schools Cricket Competition at Furnival Park in Toorak on Saturday.
Veiuto Primary School continued its dominance in the boys division, securing its third consecutive Suva Zone title after defeating Lami Primary School Team 1 by six wickets in the final.
Indira Gandhi Memorial School finished third after beating Latter Day Saint Primary School by four wickets.
In the girls division, Marist Convent School produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by winning the championship in its first appearance.
The school edged Lami Primary School Team 1 by two wickets in a thrilling final, while Veiuto Primary School claimed third place.
Cricket Fiji Chief Executive Officer Anushil Kumar congratulated all participating schools and praised the players for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Kumar says Cricket Fiji will continue to focus on grassroots cricket to build a strong foundation for the future of the sport in Fiji.
He says Cricket Fiji's Development Officers visit schools every week to introduce cricket to young children and it is encouraging to see so many talented boys and girls taking part in the competition.
Kumar is also encouraging more schools to take up the sport adding any school interested in introducing cricket is welcome to contact Cricket Fiji, with Development Officers available to conduct coaching and development sessions.
Kumar adds that more primary school competitions are planned across different zones in the coming months to give more children the opportunity to play the sport.
The Suva Zone Primary Schools Competition is part of Cricket Fiji's ongoing grassroots development programme aimed at increasing participation, identifying young talent and providing more playing opportunities for primary school students around the country.
