Children of all ages enjoy cricket in Indonesia Photo © ICC

The high schools played their semis and final here in Bali on Nov 2,3,4. This was the culmination of 6 months cricket for these juniors with hard ball and pads.

The more favoured and hitherto undefeated Angkasa High was knocked out in the semi by a spirited High School '1' Kuta . Despite absence of school staff, these 15 yr old kids got themselves to the ground on motor bikes-complete with female cheer squad-which they used successfully to side track the opposition. The young Sunari High (13-14yr) dispensed with senior High 5 Sesetan (15-16yr) in the other semi.

This set the scene for a great final on Monday arvo which was keenly fought over 25 overs per side and finished at sunset. Subsequent presentations proceeded into the night. It was immensely satisfying to see kids that we started from scratch 12 - 18 months ago, playing decent cricket in an intensely fought final. For example to see Mohammed Arifen open for Kuta 1 - chasing 143 off 25, and get resolutely behind the new ball pelted at him by the talented Suda Arsa from Sunari. Subsequent field changes from the same to contain an aggressive fight back by Adi Wiranjaya (49) who fell to a great 1 handed wicket keeper catch. Suda also hit the stumps from the boundary to effect a run out at a vital stage. These kids played a season and a final they will never forget. Our 4 Indo coaches -Soni Umbu Wayan and Gus were present with self-and thanks to Jeff Alexander for presenting gear to the kids after the game.

This is a time for resolve for those of us behind cricket in Indonesia. I stress to one and all that it is not a time to become despondent about business prospects etc but rather a time to rejoice in the air that is so miraculously ours to breathe. This is a time for renewed determination and hope.

© ICC 2002