‘Kirikiti’ is the Samoan version of cricket and the rules are more like a backyard game even if it is Samoa’s national sport. It can be lively enough to make a T20 bash look like a test at Lords.
Kirikiti’s rules are pretty much made up on the day – the number of players on a team may depend on who turns up (could be up to 40 – as long as both sides have the same number) and scoring may also depend on the day (why not have over the fence is six and out?!). Everyone in the village gets involved, whether it be playing, watching, cheering or cooking up a feast. The game is played with a handmade rubber ball and the bat is three-sided, which means that something aimed at gully could go flying over mid-on.
It can be an exciting game to play or watch with lots of teasing and sledging and there is one rule that is adhered to – the home side automatically loses if they don’t provide enough food! And it can be worth keeping in mind that many Samoans don’t eat until they are full – they eat until they are tired…
Photo: CookIslands.org.uk