Fiji have qualified for next years Under 19 Cricket World Cup after completing a clean sweep of their Pacific rivals.
Fiji players celebrate a wicket against Vanuatu at the East Asia Pacific Under 19 Trophy. Photo: Cricket Fiji
Sosiceni Weleilakeba ripped through the top order with four wickets as Samoa were bowled out for 92 in their final round robin match.
Fiji raced to their target for the loss of only one wicket to seal first place in the East Asia Pacific Trophy and a first-ever World Cup berth.
Head coach Shane Jurgensen says their opening victory over Papua New Guinea set the tone for the week.
"We bowled really well and finished off with the batting winning by five wickets [then] beating Vanuatu again by five wickets. I think a lot of people weren't expecting the boys to play as well as they have. My words to them this morning was that we wanted to win this game and win it really well to prove a point that there was a reason why we've got direct entry into the World Cup next year, and today they did just that. I'm really really happy with them - they've done such a great job - and everyone back home should be happy with them as well."
Meanwhile PNG beat Vanuatu by 115 runs in their final round robin match.
The same two teams will meet again today, with the winner to advance to a global World Cup qualifying tournament later this year.
Fiji will also play Samoa again in a friendly.
