Seura Loa – For the Love of Cricket

I don’t usually post this type of content, but this one deserves a special mention. As a huge cricket fan, grassroots cricket often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Many of the players we see representing the Barramundis today, or those before who have worn the red, black, and gold, started their journey in a junior village competition.

Lik-Lik Cricket was founded by the late Arua Rarua-Rarua, whose father was a Member of Parliament in the 70s. Owning a local store, he saw village kids playing cricket without any organized competition and decided to unite the entire village by creating a structured tournament. With divisions from Under 9s through to 16s, the competition won the hearts of the parents. Soon, the competitive spirit on the field spread beyond, as parents took an active role in their children’s preparation and performance. It was a true success story.

This man here, Seura Loa, was a staunch supporter of Lik-Lik Cricket, and after the death of its founder, he took the reins and ensured the competition continued. His contribution over the span of three decades speaks volumes about his love and dedication to the game. Many of the current PNG Barramundis players, as well as those who came before, are products of this incredibly successful junior village competition.

One of the unique aspects of PNG cricket is that most of the players are home-grown. Their cricketing journey begins in the village, and to now see them on the big stage – even on television—is one of the most exciting things for any village cricket fan. Largely because they know their journey. These players, who were once just village kids, now stand tall on international platforms.

Lik-Lik Cricket even caught international attention in 2015, when Seura Loa was interviewed during one of the Saturday morning matches. His words still resonate today:

“The sport can change people to become a good person, but some also love cricket because it’s an incentive for the future. It can mean a living, a house. But I’m an unemployed person, and I love cricket also.”
— Seura Loa, 28 February 2015

His words remind us of the importance of getting kids involved in organized competitions early on. It also highlights how the passion and dedication of organizers (no matter what income level they are) can push young talent to the next level. Today, Seura Loa was laid to rest, but his legacy in PNG cricket will live on.

Photo: Post Courier