FORMER national cricket rep Ratu Nemani Kavuru was laid to rest at his chiefly village in Bau, Tailevu, yesterday.
Ratu Nemani, 85, made his debut for Fiji against Wellington in 1954 where he scored a total of 41 runs at a batting average of 13.66, with a high score of 32.
With the ball, he took 3 wickets at a bowling average of 28.33 and took a single catch on the field.
He also played against Bay of Plenty in the same year after nine non first class matches.
Ratu Nemani played alongside the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, the late Ratu Eroni Loganimoce, the late Ilikena Bula, and the two famous opening batsmen for Fiji, Harry and Bill Apted.”
Cricket Fiji general manager Inoke Lesuma said the sport had lost a true son of the game.
“His first class debut in 1954 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington shows a lot of determination and courage on his part to take up the role and his contributions added value overall.
“And with the Wellington 7s to be played this weekend about eight-minute drive from the Basin, we must not forget that our very own were there first to represent Fiji 60 years ago and our presence from than will continue to strive for victory in the Capital City in whichever sport it may be.
“We at Cricket Fiji wish to express our condolences to Nemani Kavuru’s family as they lay his body to rest today. We remember his contributions to the sport but most of all to the nation. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
He is survived by his five children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
