PCS Independence Cup T20 – A Full Day of Action, Community, and Cricket Spirit.

Port Vila, 26 July 2025 – The VCA's annual PCS Independence Day Knockout Competition reached new heights on Saturday, with a thrilling triple-header that drew large crowds and showcased the very best of Vanuatu cricket. The day was packed with energy, team pride, and a strong sense of community.

The action kicked off early with the Men’s Semi-Final, where Splashe Mele Bulls faced off against North Efate Bushpigs in a fierce battle for a place in the final. Despite a strong start from the Bulls, who raced to 70 for no wicket after the six-over powerplay thanks to Jelany Chilia and Patrick Patautaava, the North Efate bowlers and fielders clawed it back, dismissing Mele for 145 in the 19th over. Left-arm spinner Tim Cutler was the chief destroyer, coming back after going for 24 in two overs opening the bowling, to collect four wickets for only three runs from the final 12 balls of his spell. A blistering start from the Pigs' Samuel Strid with 71 from 27 balls blew away any chance of a Mele win, with the exciting innings including five boundaries and six sixes - including four in a row from balls 3-6 of the sixth over. While the run rate slowed down after Strid's departure, North Efate chased the total down in the 17th over with Ronald Tari 46 not out from 27 balls.

Excitement and support ran high throughout the day, with hundreds of fans from all over showing up and cheering their sides on. Sausage sizzles and drinks were on sale, creating a festive, family-friendly environment around the venue.

In the Women’s Final, Splashe Mele Bulls dominated the field, defeating North Efate eight wickets continuing their dominance in 2025.

Liz Samson took 3-5 from four overs as Joy Mansale and Valenta Langiatu each took two NE wickets as their local rivals were dismissed for 46 in 19th over.

Splashe Mele Bulls made light work of the chase, losing only two wickets and with Maya Matautaava top scoring with 21 from 28 deliveries.

Run concurrently with the women's decider was the highly anticipated men’s final, where Tafea CC delivered a clinical performance to defeat North Efate by 5 wickets on VCG #1.

Batting first after losing the toss, the Bushpigs - with an average age of almost 38 and straight after their win versus Mele - were dismissed for just 80 runs in 15.5 overs. Though Samuel Strid (13 off 9) and Ronald Tari (16 off 13) offered some resistance, Tafea’s bowling attack proved too strong. Rodrick Lekai (3/9) and Godfrey Mangau (3/15) led the charge with tight, aggressive spells.

Tafea made quick work of the chase, reaching 84/5 in just 11.4 overs. Raymondo Lekai top-scored with an unbeaten 37 off 29 balls, and Mangau added a steady 30. Tim Cutler was a standout for North Efate, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs in his 4 overs.

Tafea’s win sealed their place as 2025 Power & Communication Solutions Independence Cup Men’s Champions - PCS's eighth year of support - closing a day that celebrated not just competition, but community spirit, food, family fun, and the love of the game.