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Tafea teen skipper Lekai inspires thrilling Shield triumph


Seventeen-year-old captain Rodrick Lekai delivered a breakout all-round performance to lead Tafea Cricket Club to the 2025 Domestic Shield, edging the BushPigs by two wickets with 14 balls to spare.

A group of cricketers in green and gray uniforms pose together on a grassy field. The backdrop features trees and a clear blue sky.

Cricketer in colorful jersey holding a bat, with text: "Nick Venables, Century, 101 runs, 93 balls." Mood: Celebratory. Background: Black.



North Efate posted 237 for 8 from 40 overs, built on another superb century from Nick Venables, who struck 101 off 93 balls with 11 fours and a six. He had support from MacMillan Markia with 42 off 46 and a brisk 30 off 22 from Aaron Strid. Extras added 18 as the ’Pigs set what looked a defendable target.









Cricketer holding a bat and helmet, wearing a green jersey. Text: "Rodrick Lekai, 108* runs, 88 balls, CENTURY." Tafea Cricket Club.

Tafea’s reply began with early trouble, with the left-hander coming to the crease at two wickets down for just 16 in the fourth over, before the match turned on Lekai’s composure. Having already led the attack with 3 for 30 from eight overs at 3.75 an over, the teenage skipper produced a batting masterclass, compiling an unbeaten 108 from 88 balls with eight fours and a six. Despite briefly leaving the field with a foot knock, he returned to anchor the innings and then lift the tempo when it mattered most, showing calmness and authority well beyond his 17 years. Partnerships with Junior Niroua (35 from 35) and Surya Rajien (22 from 28) ensured Tafea remained in control throughout the chase.


North Efate kept fighting. Venables followed his ton with 2 for 32 from eight overs, while Tim Cutler took 2 for 42, but the ’Pigs could not dislodge the captain. Lekai was named Player of the Final for his match-defining double, sealing a result that flips last year’s script when North Efate won the 2024 title. Tafea teen Lekai inspires thrilling Shield triumph

The triumph caps a strong season for Tafea, whose men now hold two of the three domestic trophies in 2025.


For 17-year-old Lekai, the performance further cements his status as one of Vanuatu’s brightest young talents, with the all-rounder already eyeing a leading role when Vanuatu hosts the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup EAP Division 2 Qualifier next September. Flashback to 2024

Last year’s final saw the roles reversed: the BushPigs were crowned champions after defeating Tafea Cricket Club by 11 runs in the 2024 edition of the tournament. This year, Tafea bounced back with a statement performance.

Cricket team posing on field, wearing gray uniforms with "North Efate Bushpigs". Lush green background, joyful expressions, sunny day.

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