Papua New Guinea maintained their unbeaten run in the East Asia-Pacific Region Division One Twenty20, beating Vanuatu by a comfortable margin of 58 runs in the final in Port Moresby. The victory books PNG's spot in the Global Division One Twenty20 play-off in the UAE early next year which will determine the two Associate or Affiliates to play in the 12-team World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

PNG elected to bat and got off to a streaky start when in-form opener Asad Vala was dropped by opposing captain Andrew Mansale early on. Vala, who had 344 runs in the tournament leading up to the final, and partner Tony Ura took advantage of Vanuatu's slip-up, adding 56 off 5.2 overs before Jelany Chilia got Vala to edge to the keeper. Ura stood firm though, putting on 47 runs with Chris Amini , before falling for 48. By then the platform was laid for PNG - with the scoreboard reading 103 for 2 in the 11th over - to push on to a big total. Mahuru Dai and Jason Kila provided the final surge, striking four sixes to carry PNG to 195 for 5 in their 20 overs.

The Vanuatu openers got the chase off to a steady start, but two wickets in the fifth and sixth overs put PNG in front. From there on PNG picked up wickets at regular intervals and kept the batsmen in check. Only Patrick Matautaava was able to inject some much-needed momentum into the Vanuatu innings, striking two fours and three sixes in his 36 off 18 balls. But when he holed out off medium-pacer Joel Tom - who was the pick of the bowlers for PNG, claiming 3 for 31 - in the 19th over, the victory was already beyond Vanuatu.

PNG captain, Rarva Dikana said the win at home, especially in front of the sizeable crowd, was fitting. "It is a huge achievement for the country, especially considering all of the development work going on," he said. "I'm glad we could do this for everyone involved in cricket in PNG."
Ura, who was the second highest-scorer in the tournament behind opening partner Vala, was named Man of the Match. Tom and Matautaava, along with Fiji's Iniasi Cakacaka, were the tournament's top wicket-takers with nine wickets.

In the third-place playoff game, an all-round performance from Samoa earned them a 30-run victory over Fiji. Samoa were sent into bat and though they lost opener Sean Cotter early, a steady 48 from Geoff Clarke, followed by whirlwind knocks from Faasao Mulivai (67) and Pritchard Pritchard (28*), carried them to a competitive 172 for 3 in their 20 overs.

Fiji's chase started poorly when they lost opener Sekove Ravoka in the first over. A 58-run second wicket partnership between Joji Bulabalavu and Iniasi Cakacaka steadied the innings but a flurry of quick wickets after that derailed their chase. They slumped for 58 for 1 to 68 for 5 and couldn't get going after that, getting bowled out for 142. Samoa's bowlers were steady with Cotter the most successful with 3 for 9 in three overs.

Papua New Guinea have enjoyed considerable success in recent times © ICC/Cricket Europe

The chances for the smaller cricket nations to reach the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka have been reduced now that the tournament will again be a 12-team event rather than 16, but there are still two places up for grabs for Associate and Affiliate nations who are good enough.

Those from the East Asia-Pacific region have reached their final stage of qualifying for the global play-off in UAE early next year. Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Japan and hosts Papua New Guinea will take part in a four-day event in Port Moresby to determine which team travels to the Middle East.

Papua New Guinea have sped up the rankings in the last 12 months and now sit at No. 19 in the world, but that success brings with it added pressure of being hosts and favourites.

According to wicketkeeper Jack Vare, preparations have been going exceptionally well for the team who are coached by Andy Bichel and are determined not to waste an opportunity to perform at their peak on the turf wickets of Amini Park and Colts Cricket Ground.

“Representing your country in front of your family and friends is a great honour,” said Vare “It is great to be able to show them the exciting and entertaining brand of cricket the Hebou Barramundi’s can play and demonstrating the spirit of PNG through the game of cricket. Although there is the added pressure of playing on home soil I know all the players are excited and looking forward to the tournament.”

Fiji are looming as the side most capable of toppling the seemingly invincible PNG side. With an extremely busy international schedule ahead for the national team in the next three months including the tournament in PNG, the South Pacific Games and then World Cricket League Division 6, preparation has been more important than ever before and all-rounder Kitione Tavo is happy with the level the team has reached.

“Training has been good and I think our preparation is going well,” said Tavo. “There's a great feeling amongst the team this year.”

Fiji has also been boosted by the return of two players that have been out of the national side for a number of years. Most notably fast bowler Imran Kahn returns after a six year absence teaching in the USA, and Jikoi Kida returns after a stint in Egypt with the Fijian army.

Japan will enter the tournament with newfound confidence after an intense couple of months of training since their last tournament. It has been well documented that Japan performed considerably below the standard they expect of themselves at the recent World Cricket League Division 7 event in Botswana, going through the tournament without a win, however coach Chris Ferguson is confident his side can learn from the mistakes made at that tournament and begin the re-building process in PNG.

“That is the nature of international cricket,” said Ferguson. “There is always another tournament coming up and you need to respond quickly. We made mistakes in Botswana but the players have reviewed their own performances, been honest with themselves and the team, and have put in a lot of hard work over the past six weeks to rectify the problems that we encountered.”

With an average age of under 23, Vanuatu will be the youngest side competing in Port Moresby. After a strong showing at the Regional Under-19 event in February, when they finished second behind PNG, Vanuatu will be hoping their young talent can demonstrate the mental toughness required to match it with the best senior developing countries in the region.

“We are pleased with the progress we are making but understand we are in for some tough battles,” said captain Andrew Mansale captain.

However despite fielding a side with seven player’s 21-years-old or under, Mansale is confident that his side can compete. “We are expecting all teams to be tough, we have worked very hard with our fitness trainer Brett Wright for 20 weeks now and have been working hard with a special emphasis on running between the wickets and bowling and batting variations.”

Samoa are the only Affiliate member country participating in the ICC EAP Division 1, but that is of little concern to their squad who plan to make a real impact against the four associate member sides

The Samoan team breezed through Division 2 in April undefeated, and have been preparing in New Zealand to take the next step up. “Samoa will go into the tournament as no doubt underdogs,” said Samoan Cricket General Manager Andrew Flynn. “However members of the team are fit, healthy, ready to compete and will be carrying the pride of Samoa with them.”

Former New Zealand bowler Murphy Su’a will coach the side which despite having a wealth of older more experienced players in their line-up will need some young talent such as Tiafala Alatasi to perform well with the ball if they are to make a genuine impact in Port Moresby.

“If I can limit the runs and do my job, and each of us do our job, we will do well,” said Alatasi who was the leading wicket taker at the Division 2 event in April.

After four consecutive days of hot weather, the sky opened up and consistent rain greeted the players as Japan and Papua New Guinea took the field for the East Asia-Pacific Women's Trophy final. Japan captain Ema Kuribayashi won her fourth toss in a row, electing to bat first against an experienced PNG line-up.

Japan found the conditions difficult at the start, and coupled with an outstanding spell of bowling from PNG opening bowlers Pauke Siaka and Tanya Ruma, found themselves at 36-1 after 20 overs when play was stopped due to rain.

Play resumed briefly after the first rain delay, but the skies opened again soon after leaving Japan only 42 overs to bat. Ema Kuribayashi (21) was run out soon after the resumption of play, bringing the reliable Katrina Keenan to the crease, however when partner Kurumi was dismissed without scoring, Japan were struggling at 53-4.

Keenan began patiently, pushing singles and running well between wickets, before unleashing an almighty attack on all bowlers towards the end of the innings that included five boundaries and two enormous sixes.

Keenan was finally dismissed for a spectacular 60, and Japan was able to post a respectable 125-5 at the end of its 42 overs. After Duckworth-Lewis calculations, PNG was given a target of 132 to win from its 42 overs, a total made all the more difficult due to the unfriendly conditions.

However, PNG openers Mabel Ipi and Norma Ovasuru started particularly well, edging to 42 without loss before Ovasuru was dismissed leg before to Ema Kuribayashi. While the score was continuing to tick along, wickets were falling at regular intervals, and when PNG captain Ura Rigana was caught for 12 off the bowling of Ayako Nakayama, PNG was reduced to 68-4.

Boni David (15) and opener Mabel Ipi continued to score consistently, however when Ipi was caught leg before wicket off the bowling of Kuribayashi, the game was in the balance.

With Japan operating spinners from both ends, PNG was finding it difficult to force the pace, and the runs began to dry up.
Kuribayashi bowled an outstanding spell, supported well by young legspinner Ayako Nakayama, and the two combined to choke PNG to 123-9, requiring nine to win from the final Kuribayashi over.

Number 11 Nao Kone hit the second ball high and deep into the outfield, where one of Japan's best fielders, Mariko Yamamoto, was waiting to accept the catch, giving them victory by nine runs.

Keenan was adjudged Player of the tournament. Japan will now progress to the ICC Women's World Cup ualifier, while Papua New Guinea and Samoa will have to wait until the 2012 East Asia Pacific regional tournament.

Team of the Tournament: Ema Kuribayashi (Japan), Norma Ovasuru (PNG), Mariko Yamamoto (Japan), Melinda Hodgson (Samoa), Katrina Keenan (Japan), Ura Rigana (PNG), Lily Mulivai (Samoa), Varoi Morea (PNG), Pauke Siaka (PNG), Ayako Nakayama (Japan), Tanya Ruma (PNG), Regina Lilii (Samoa)

Japan captain and opener Ema Kuribayashi played an outstanding innings on the second day of the 2010 Pepsi ICC EAP Women's Cricket Trophy to set up a 93-run victory over Samoa.

Kuribayashi faced the first ball of the innings, and was left not-out on 78 from 158 balls at the compulsory closure after 50 overs.

The left-handed opener displayed a mixture of patience, class and excellent running between the wickets to help Japan post a competitive total.

Former New Zealand representative Katrina Keenan also played a vital role in the middle order, showing outstanding discipline to contribute 21 from 69 balls to help Japan to 169-8 from its 50 overs.

In reply, Samoa began poorly, losing opener Tina Macumber in the very first over, before slumping to 28-6 in the 16th over.

The Japanese attack was relentless with its line and length, continually beating the outside edge, and coupled with a disciplined and enthusiastic fielding effort, was never in danger of losing the match.

Opener Kurumi Ota bowled accurately and with pace to grab two early wickets, while Katrina Keenan (2-10) and Kuribayashi also bowled well.

Japan and PNG will now play off on day three for the chance to move through to the final, while the loser will play in the preliminary final on Day 4 against Samoa.

Day One

Papua New Guinea eased to a strong 33-run victory over Samoa.

PNG won the toss and elected to bat on a fine and sunny day at Sano Cricket Ground, with Samoa taking the field for the very first time in a Regional ICC Women's Event.

The Samoans were confident of a good showing in this tournament, stemming from their 3-0 defeat of Fiji in the qualifier in February. Samoa began brilliantly, with star opening bowler Lily Mulivai taking a return catch early on to dismiss the talented Norma Ovasuru. This was followed by two more quick wickets to Fou Charteris and Julia Vito, and PNG were struggling at 36-3.

Samoa continued to apply pressure, however, thanks to some disciplined batting from Mabel Igo (27) and Ura Rigana (33), PNG scored steadily, eventually reaching a competitive 126 from 35 overs.

Samoa, with several overseas-based stars, had the target score of 127 well within their sights. While the innings began slowly, extras began to mount and Samoa reached the lunch break at 33-1, needing just 94 more runs to win with nine wickets in hand.

Unfortunately, opener Tina Macumber fell in the first over after the lunch break, caught behind from the bowling of Pauke Siaka. Samoa's middle order continued to battle away against an extremely tight spell from the PNG bowlers. But when star bat and captain Melinda Hodgson was knocked over for 14, PNG gained plenty of confidence.

Lily Mulivai was patient in the lower order, but the consistency of the PNG bowling attack was the difference in the end. Samoa were eventually dismissed 33 runs short for 94.

Player of the Match Kila Leka (4-10 from six overs) and Boni David (2-19 from 10 overs) were the best performers for PNG.

Fiji and Samoa will contest the Women's Challenge Series between February 2 and 5 in Apia, Samoa to determine the team that shall complete the pool for the 2010 ICC
EAP Women's Cricket Trophy. The winner is to be determined in a three game 50-over
series to be played at the pristine Samoa Gardens Ovals in Apia, Samoa.

ICC EAP Tournament Manager Nick Frayne commented, "This series is an extremely
important one and the first of its kind in the EAP Region. This is the beginning of the pathway
for the EAP teams to hopefully progress all the way to the next ICC Women's
World Cup."

Fiji has already commenced preparations for the encounter, hosting the inaugural Cricket Fiji Women's Cricket Championship over five days from January 12 in Suva, Fiji. The tournament boasts five teams from across Fiji, and the national squad to contest Samoa shall be selected from this group following the tournament's close.

Hosts Japan and defending champions Papua New Guinea have already booked their places to the 2010 ICC EAP Women's Cricket Trophy to be held in Sano City, Japan between 4 and 8 May. This will be the first time that the EAP Region has had more than two teams contest a Women's Regional Tournament, and with Tonga, Indonesia and several other EAP
Members continuing to grow the women's game these numbers are sure to increase.

Tony Munro

East Asia-Pacific (EA-P) has put in a strong batting performance to go close in its two-day Australian Country Championships match against Western Australia in Albury on Friday.

Chasing a formidable 314, all of the EA-P top-order made double-figures, with Papua New Guinea's Chris Amini (69) and captain Andrew Mansale (65) making half-centuries, only to fall 11 runs short. The regional team batted out its entire 100 overs, giving the players valuable experience in accumulating an innings.

The team has a rest day tomorrow before playing competition leaders, Northern Territory in a two-day game starting on Sunday.

Scores
Western Australia 313 (S Lomani 3-47, W Gavera 2-60, L Nou 2-60) defeated East Asia-Pacific 302-9 (C Amini 69, A Mansale 65, V V Morea 42, J Baba 31)

Tony Munro

East Asia-Pacific (EAP) is staring at a run-chase of 314 after having Western Australia 5 for 45 on the first day of its fifth round two-day game in the Australian Country Championship in Albury on Thursday.

When Fijian Sakaria Lomani had WA captain Rodney Ford trapped lbw for 2, EAP seemed assured of at least a first-innings victory with the Sandgropers decimated.

However, WA's Matt Fink and Nick Willis combined to add 76 runs to start a miraculous rescue. At the end of the day's play, Willis was unbeaten on 130 and WA was all-out for 313.

Earlier, Lomani and Nou had ripped through the top-order taking 4 for 7.

The task will be a strenuous test of the EA-P batsmen's ability to build an innings, given the vast majority of their domestic cricket is limited-overs matches.

Western Australia Country 314 (S Lomani 3-47, L Nou 2-60, W Gavera 2-60)

Tony Munro

After their win over South Australia, East Asia-Pacific (EAP) was given a stark reality check, losing its one-day match to New South Wales by eight wickets in the Australian Country Championships in Bethangra on Tuesday.

NSW cantered home, needing just 31.4 overs to overtake the EAP total of 174 all out, which included another good innings from Papua New Guinea batsman, Assad Vala (29). It was enough to put Vala in third place among run-scorers at the Championships.

East Asia-Pacific 173 (VV Morea 25, A Vala 29, L Noa 25) lost to New South Wales 174 for 2 (C Amini 1-36, W Gavera 1-37)

Points: NSW Country 5 EAP 0

Tony Munro

East Asia-Pacific (EAP) has won its first game of this year's Australian Country Championships, beating South Australia by 66 runs in Albury on Monday.

A combination of another good bowling display and a crucial 86-run partnership between Chris Amini and Assad Vala gave the combined team a lift, three games into its campaign.

Defending 186, EAP had South Australia in early trouble at 3-46 before Andrew Mansale (3-21) and Loa Nou (3-22) ripped through the middle order to prevent any chance of a recovery.

Amini (51) and Vala (50) earlier combined to rescue EAP from a disastrous 3-38 after Masaomi Kobayashi, Vani Vagi Morea and Mansale fell cheaply. The Papua New Guineans combined to lift EAP to 4 for 124. Vanuatu all-rounder Patrick Matautau again proved his worth with a valuable cameo of 32 as EAP reached 187 from 44.5 overs. Amini, Vala and Matautau were the only batsmen to reach double-figures.
The composite side's next match is against New South Wales on Tuesday before it has a rest day.

The surprise element of the tournament has been provided by first-timers, Northern Territory, who have won all three games to lead the tables. EAP stands sixth out of eight contenders.

50-overs match:

East Asia-Pacific 187 (44.5 overs) (C.Amini 51, A.Vala 50, P.Matautaua 32) beat South Australian Country 121 (38 overs) (A.Mansale 3-21, L.Nou 3-22, S Lomani 1-25, W Gavera 1-21) by 66 runs.

Points: EAP 7, South Australia 0

Tony Munro

A good bowling performance was betrayed by equally inept batting as East Asia-Pacific (EAP) lost both their matches on the first day of their Australian Country Championships campaign in Albury on Sunday.

The composite team from the ICC's East Asia-Pacific team restricted Victoria Country to 118 for 3 from their 20 overs as Papua New Guinea players Chris Amini and Willie Gavera each took a wicket and conceded just 20 runs from their four overs. Their countryman Loa Nou had the same analysis except he went wicketless.

In reply EAP folded up in 18.2 overs and fell 18 runs short as Assad Vala top-scored with 49.

Vanuatu's Patrick Matautaua stood out in EAP's second match where they were beaten by Queensland Country by 22 runs in a story similar to the first game. Matautaua led a tight attack taking 3 for 16 from 4 overs, while Willie Gavera with 3 for 20 from 4 overs also impressed.

Again the batting failed in EAP's innings with only Matautaua (28) and his Vanuatu team-mate Andrew Mansale (24) exceeding 20 as four overs went unused.

EAP's next match is against South Australian Country, the team they beat last year.

Game 1 (Twenty20):
Victoria Country 118 for 3 (C.Amini 1-20, W.Gavera 1-20, L Nou 0-20) beat East Asia-Pacific 100 (A.Vala 49, J Baba 13, A.Mansale 12) by 18 runs
Points: Victoria Country 8.18, East Asia-Pacific 1.90.


Game 2 (Twenty20):
Queensland Country 108-9 (P.Matautaua 3-16, W.Gavera 3-20, J.Baba 1-8, C.Amini 1-24) beat East Asia-Pacific 86 (J Baba 14, A Mansale 24, P Matautaua 28) by 22 runs
Points: Queensland Country 4, East Asia-Pacific 0

Tony Munro

The composite ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) team will open their Australian Country Championships campaign on Sunday, with Twenty20 matches against Victoria and Queensland in Albury-Wodonga.

The Championships feature combined teams from the rural/non-metropolitan areas from the five Australian mainland states and territories, the Northern Territory, who are appearing for the first time, and the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra).

The event is also a chance for the EAP players to test themselves on turf wickets against experienced, albeit amateur cricketers.

The EAP squad comprises 10 players under the age of 22, one of the youngest they have ever fielded in the seven tournaments it has appeared in. A combination of international retirements and absence through other commitments (Rarua Dikana is preparing the Papua New Guinea (PNG) team for the Under-19 World Cup) has given the squad a youthful look.

The squad will have the benefit of familiarity with seven members all playing together in the PNG team. Vanuatu (3), Fiji (3) and Japan (1) provide the other players.

After Sunday's Twenty20 matches, the team will play two one-dayers and three two-day matches.

East Asia-Pacific: Andrew Mansale (Vanuatu) (capt), Chris Amini (PNG) (vice-capt), Vani Vagi Morea (PNG), Assad Vala (PNG), Jeremiah Nigani (PNG), Pipi Raho (PNG), Loa Nou (PNG), Willie Gavera (PNG), Josefa Rika (Fiji), Josaia Baba (Fiji), Sakaraia Lomani (Fiji), Trevor Langa (Vanuatu), Patrick Matautaava (Vanuatu), Masaomi Kobayashi (Japan); Charlie Burke (ICC) (coach).

Schedule:

January 3 v Victoria (Twenty20), v Queensland (Twenty20); January 4 v South Australia; January 5 v New South Wales; January 7-8 v Western Australia; January 10-11 v Northern Territory; January 13-14 v Australian Capital Territory.

Vanuatu won a vital play-off match against Samoa at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Trophy to take a step closer to the World Cricket League Division 8. Andrew Mansale was once again the hero for Vanuatu, smashing his second century of the tournament, while receiving excellent support from Jonathan Dunn and Damian Smith.

Though Samoa never gave up during the reply, Vanuatu comfortably recorded a victory which was reward for their investment in youth development in the past decade.

According to Seb Kohlhase, the Samoa Cricket president, the team had achieved their aims even before the first ball was bowled in the finals. "Our main goal was to go up the rankings and making the finals is just phenomenal," Kohlhase said. "Along the way, we have finally, after 10 years of trying, defeated the Cook Islands and that's historical. With new and younger players coming through, cricket has a vision to become a major sport in Samoa's sporting landscape.

"We have clear national and international pathways with lucrative contracts available to players overseas. We just have to build those 'roads' so our players have the exposure and right coaching to get them there. It's exciting times and definitely with cricket, players have a much longer lifespan than in the full contact games."

Paul Myers, a member of Samoa Cricket said: "We played Vanuatu in a tournament in 2001 and we beat them comfortably. They had a lot of old guys and expats in that team. A year later, Samoa hosted the tournament here in 2002 and we saw that Vanuatu had replaced all those old guys in 2001 with younger players, some as young as 18. But we beat them easily again. Come the South Pacific Games in Fiji 2003, we met the same players this time a bit older and although we won, it was a really tough match.

"I mentioned to Seb (Kohlhase), the difference this time was that Samoa now had the same old players and no young ones coming through. In 2009, some of our executives and myself are looking at where Vanuatu has grown to in the region and I doff my hat to them for putting their vision all those years ago in place, which is now bearing fruit."

Awards and Trophies

Twenty20 Trophy winner: Papua New Guinea
World Cricket League winners: Papua New Guinea
Non-World Cricket League winners: Vanuatu
Twenty20 Player of the Tournament: Chris Amini (Papua New Guinea)
World Cricket League Player of Tournament: Vani Vagi Morea (Papua New Guinea)
Non-World Cricket League Player of Tournament: Andrew Mansale (Vanuatu)

Papua New Guinea continued their dominance in Apia with another convincing win to take the World Cricket League section of the East Asia Pacific (EAP) Trophy.

From day one Papua New Guinea have exuded class, professionalism and a team-first attitude to be by far the best team in the EAP Region. Led superbly by rookie captain Chris Amini, Papua New Guinea again excelled today, knocking over Japan for just 60. Amini was the standout, grabbing 3 for 6, well supported by Loa Nou (2 for 18 from nine overs) and young leg-spinner Vali Albert (1 for 15). In reply, Papua New Guinea chased down the required 61 in just 7.1 overs, with star opener Vani Vagi Morea smashing an unbeaten 41.

In the all-important round 5 clash of the non-World Cricket League competition, Vanuatu were looking to continue their unbeaten run against a Cook Islands team desperate to notch another win and progress to the final ahead of Samoa. Cook Islands began well, with Etita and Tangimatua putting together a partnership of 51, before Kenni Tari got the all important breakthrough of Etita to a skied outfield catch by Damian Smith. From there the Vanuatu bowlers applied excellent pressure, with medium-pacer Edy Mansale (2 for 25) and his younger brother Andrew (3 for 25) bowling particularly well. Cook Islands eventually dismissed for a disappointing 119. In reply, Vanuatu aptain Andrew Mansale followed up his century in round 4 with a stylish 47, while allrounder Jonathon Dunn steered the team home with an unbeaten 31.

In the final match, Tonga and Indonesia went head to head with both desperate to take their first points of the competition and make the third v fourth play-off. Indonesia won the toss and elected to bat, and following from a solid batting performance in round 4, were looking to again get above the 200-run mark. Unfortunately, the Indonesians were unable to hold firm against star pace duo Mafi Langi (4 for 22) and Simione Latu (4 for 33), crumbling to 29 for 5, before eventually being dismissed for 112 in the 33rd over. Indonesian wicketkeeper Thenuara was the only batsman to show resistance with a fighting 37. Tonga began their chase poorly, losing Holi and Mau with the score on 21, before inspirational captain Aisake Haukina strode to the crease with only one intention, to hit the ball hard and far. Haukinima looked at ease at the crease before unleashing against spinner Gede Suda Arsa, smashing three sixes, including two in consecutive balls, before finally being bowled for a quick-fire 34. Moala (43) and Valu (21*) added to the scoring spree, the Tongans passing the required target in just 14 overs.

Scores
Papua New Guinea def. Japan by 10 wickets

Japan 60 (33 overs) (N Miyaji 18*, T Fuji 12; C Amini 3-6)

PNG 61-1 (7.1 overs) (V Morea 41*)

Tonga def. Indonesia by 6 wickets

Indonesia 112 (32.4 overs) (A Thenuara 37; M Langi 4-22, 4-33)

Tonga 116-4 (14 overs) (F Moala 43, A Haukinima 34, M Valu 21*)

Vanuatu def. Cook Islands by 7 wickets

Cook Islands 119 (38.3 overs) (T Etita 42; A Mansale 3-25, P Haines 3-38, E Mansale 2-25) Vanuatu 122-3 (18.1 overs) (A Mansale 47, J Dunn 31*; T Etita 2-36)

Vanuatu captain Andrew Mansale smashed his maiden East Asia-Pacific Trophy century to lead his team to a strong victory over Tonga at Samoa Gardens on Thursday. Mansale was in fine form and played a superb innings, belting the Tongan bowlers to all parts of the ground. His 115 included 10 boundaries and three sixes, and with the support of Simpson Obed (32), opener Lazarot Carlot (29) and Jonothan Dunn (26), Vanuatu were able to reach a competitive 245.

In reply, Tonga lost an early wicket before captain Aisake Haukinima steadied the ship. Haukinima was dismissed for a quickfire 21 before middle-order batsman Ofahulu played a fantastic lone hand, belting some enormous sixes in the pursuit of quick runs.

With little support, Tonga were eventually dismissed for 140; Ofahulu standing out with a fine 71, 50 of which came from boundaries and sixes.

On Oval #2, Samoan skipper Geoff Clarke won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first against Indonesia on a beautiful sunny day.

Clarke and Kaisala put together a solid opening stand of 67, before both fell in quick succession. This brought vice-captain Ron Turner together with Ben Mailata, and the pair began to dismantle the inexperienced Indonesian attack. Their 121-run stand was the catalyst for an assault in the last 10 overs, and the Samoans didn't let the crowd down.

Sipiliano finished the day unbeaten on 41 from just 30 balls, while star allrounder Faasao smashed the Indonesian attack to finish on 36 from just 11 balls, including five towering sixes.

Samoa posted an exceptional 308, a total that Indonesia were to find extremely difficult against an attack featuring the pace of Faasao, the guile of former New Zealand Test player Murphy Su'a and the accuracy of left-arm offspinner Winston Mariner.

However, the Indonesians began superbly, taking the game to the Samoans with some wonderful attacking batting. Openers 'Yeri' Rosogna and Silva put together an outstanding opening partnership of 87, with Silva providing the power and Yeri working the bowlers well to rotate the strike.

However, the game turned when the Samoan youngster Pritchard Pritchard threw down the stumps from cover, finding Silva short of his ground. From there, the Indonesians battled hard and the huge total proved to be difficult to attain, as Samoa won by 87 runs.

On Oval #1, Japanese captain Masaomi Kobayashi won the toss and elected to bat against a fired-up Fiji attack. While Japan lost opener Kensuke Kobayashi early, the skipper (27) and wicketkeeper Chino (37) came together and patiently built the platform for a late assault.

Razzaq (62) provided some lusty hitting late in the innings to push Japan towards the 200-mark, and along with Fuji (28*) and Miyaji (17), eventually set a competitive target of 213 for Fiji.

Fijian opener Bulabalavu fell early on in the chase, and while Baba (27) and Rika (27) were able to steady the innings, the continual loss of wickets made the chase difficult.

Fiji kept pushing, with the running between wickets keeping the match alive, and when Josefa Dabea and Sakaria Lomani came together over a run-a-ball was required from the final 10 overs.

Dabea (48*) batted superbly under intense pressure while Lomani (41) provided the aggression. However, when Lomani fell and wicketkeeper Gauna followed shortly after, Fiji was eventually faced with the task of getting five from three balls.

No. 11 Waqaituinayua swung hard at the next ball, getting a fine edge that raced away to the boundary, leaving Fiji with one to win, which was brought up on the second-last ball of the innings, as Waqaituinayua struck a huge six over mid-on.

Fiji 219 for 9 (J Dabea 48*, S Lomani 41, S Nagano 2-18) beat Japan (C Razzaq 62, T Fuji 28*, I Cakacaka 2-18, S Lomani 2-33) by one wicket

Samoa 308 for 5 (F Mailata 66, R Turner 51, S Tua 41*, W Suandi 3-64) beat Indonesia 221 (E Silva 71, R Turner 3-38, M Su'a 2-31) by 87 runs

Vanuatu 245 for 7 (A Mansale 115, S Holi 4-52) beat Tonga 140 (K Ofahulu 71, A John 3-19, P Matautava 3-25) by 105 runs

Fiji missed a priceless opportunity to beat their main opposition for the East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Trophy, losing to Papua New Guinea (PNG) by 37 runs in the opening game of the 50-over section in Apia, Samoa.

PNG were wallowing at 45 for 6 before a timely rain delay provided a chance to regroup. On their return, wicketkeeper Arua Dikana and Loa Noa put on a valuable 40-run partnership to give the tournament favourites a total of 117, one its bowlers could defend.

Earlier, PNG had started positively, but the tournament favourites came unstuck due to some tight bowling and keen fielding from Fiji. Three wickets, including two run-outs, and then a brace of wickets to left-armer Sakaraia Lomani had PNG struggling, before rain held up play. Lomani finished with 3 for 31 from eight overs as Fiji were left chasing a reduced total of 108 from 43 overs.

The Barramundi pace attack of Willie Gavera, Loa Nou and debutante Pipi Raho shook the Fijian top order. When two quick wickets fell after the lunch break, Fiji were 27 for 6 and a PNG win was inevitable. Raho bowled well to make early breakthroughs to finish with 5 for 18 from five overs.

The other World Cricket League team, Japan got a bye.

In the tournament to decide who gets the WCL Division 8 spot, Samoa beat Tonga by 47 runs. After opting to bat, Samoan captain Geoff Clarke began in emphatic style with a beautiful boundary through cover, off the first ball of the match. Ably supported by opening partner Uala Kaisala, the pair compiled 30 in quick time before Kaisala holed out to deep long on.

Ron Turner joined Clarke to add 35 before a middle-order collapse saw Samoa struggle to 102 for 5. As the wickets continued to fall, Samoa were eventually dismissed for 128, and Tonga were right in the game.

Tongan openers Sione Holi and Filimone Moala began confidently, smashing their way to 22 without loss before a combination of some poor shot selection and accurate bowling exposed the middle order. The Tongans were eventually dismissed for 81, with Mulivai, Fuimoana and Seuoti grabbed three wickets apiece.

In other matches, the Cook Islands produced an outstanding display against Indonesia on the back of a fine all-round performance from Tino Etita, while PNG were in serious early trouble before overcoming a gallant Fiji on Oval #1.

Etita bowled superbly to take 4 for 20 from seven tight overs, and was ably supported by Davis Teinaki who grabbed 3 for 6 from five accurate overs. Indonesian opener Thenuara held the innings together with a fine 67, but had little support as they were bowled out for 122 in the 35th over.

The total was never going to be enough against a strong Cook Islands line-up, with Etita shining again with an aggressive 42, including three sixes. Captain Chris Brown steered his team home with a patient innings as the Cook Islands coasted to a seven-wicket victory.

Tomorrow being a rest-day, the WCL countries' tournament will resume on Monday with Fiji playing Japan, and PNG getting the bye. In the tournament to decide who plays in WCL Division 8, Vanuatu will meet Indonesia, Samoa take on Cook Islands and Tonga have the bye.

Scores:

Papua New Guinea 117 (Dikana 38, Arua 19, Lomani 4-32) beat Fiji 80 (Sorovakatini 47, Bulabalavu 13, Raho 5-18, Nou 4-13) by 37 runs

Samoa 128 (Turner 27, Clarke 20, Latu 3-22, S Holi 2-22, Langi 2-30) beat Tonga 81 (Holi 18; Fuimoana 3-25, Mulivai 3-43) by 47 runs

Cook Islands 129 for 3 (Etita 42, Brown 22*, Ataera 20, Arsa 2-27) beat Indonesia 122 (Thenuara 67, Etita 4-20, Teinaki 3-6) by seven wickets

Tony Munro

Papua New Guinea demonstrated why they are the favourite for the East Asia-Pacific Trophy with crushing ten-wicket wins in both its Twenty20 matches on day one of the tournament in Apia, Samoa on Thursday.

Fielding a new look combination, PNG routed Japan for 20 in their morning match, needing just 2.5 overs to seal the win. They then skittled the Cook Islands for 42, requiring only 4.2 overs to finish the day unbeaten.

PNG fast bowler Willie Gavera capitalised on early wickets from captain Chris Amini to finish the Japan innings, collecting a haul of 4 for 3 from four overs. Japan allrounder, Cheema Razaq, who bats right-handed and bowls left-handed, was his team's top scorer with 7.

Fiji was the other unbeaten team, comfortably beating Vanuatu and Samoa. The bulk of the Vanuatu team had just come from the ICC Under 19 World Cup Qualifiers in Canada.

The match featured some fierce six-hitting, especially from Fiji's veteran opener Joji Bulabalavu, who smashed eight sixes and five fours.

Left-hand Vanuatu opener Damian Smith retaliated, bashing three sixes and five fours on his way to 56 before he was run-out. Fiji won by 43 runs.

Japan rebounded in their afternoon game to beat Tonga by 3 wickets.

Results:

Cook Islands 121-5 (20 overs) def. Indonesia 91 (19.2 overs) by 30 runs.
Fiji 197-6 (20 overs) def. Vanuatu 154-9 (20 overs) by 43 runs.
Japan 20 (17 overs) lost to PNG 22-0 (2.5 overs) by 10 wickets.
Indonesia 88-9 (20 overs) lost to Samoa 90-5 (19.1 overs) by 5 wickets.
Vanuatu 131 (19.5 overs) def. Indonesia 83-7 (20 overs) by 48 runs.
Tonga 93-8 (20 overs) lost to Japan 94-7 (19.4 overs) by 3 wickets.
Cook Islands 42 (12.5 overs) lost to Papua New Guinea 46-0 (4.2 overs) by 10 wickets.
Samoa 116 (20 overs) lost to Fiji 117-6 (18.4 overs) by 4 wickets.

The draw for tomorrow, the last day of the Twenty20 event is:
Friday, September 18 - (all Twenty20) - AM - Vanuatu v Samoa, PNG v Tonga, Japan v Cook Islands, Fiji v Indonesia; PM - Finals.

South Korea want to ensure their national team is competitive before playing in regional East Asia-Pacific tournaments, a Korea Cricket Association official told Cricinfo this week.

As eight national teams prepare to descend on Apia, Samoa for the East Asia-Pacific Trophy starting this Thursday, Korea Cricket Association secretary Daami Cagney said the next tournament in 2011 is a more feasible target. "Ideally we would like to play a team in the EA-P tournaments, but realistically, there are probably only five or six ethnically Korean players who would be up to the standard, which is why we have re-focused more on developing domestic cricket," Cagney said.

He predicted South Korea's introduction to regional events was not far away, as a follow-on from tours to Japan, and possibly India against local clubs or universities. "This way, we can start to build experience and confidence in the players. Also, we are trying to expand the domestic player base, which can create more competition for places in the squad. This, of course, takes time. Going by the past two years, I would estimate that in another two years, there should be a national team that is capable and ready to be competitive."

Of South Korea's 150 registered players, Cagney estimates about a fifth of those are ethnic Koreans. "We have 15-20 in one team [Sung Kyun Kwan University which has the world's only credited tertiary cricket course] and another 15-20 throughout other teams."

The course generates new recruits each year, and Cagney said the KCA would like to build on it, but it is not easy. "We are hoping to expand, but in a nation whose culture places education far, far above any other side hobbies, persuading universities to get involved has proven to be a challenge."

As a graduate of the course Hee-Yoon Yang is no longer eligible for the SKKU team, so this year he formed his own side, the Pacific Storm, consisting mainly of fellow Koreans, and some expats and entered it in the 10-team Korean league. Hee-Yoon last year collected his ICC Level 1 Coaching Certificate and is on the KCA Committee. Like most Koreans, in a country where baseball is more popular than football, Hee-Yoon has a strong throwing arm. "Hee-Yoon has one of the hardest and straightest throws in the game," Cagney enthused.

The Koreans' baseball background is both a help and a hinderance, according to Cagney. "On one hand, field-throwing is amazing! Not too many doubles are run if the ball gets hit to a Korean. For the less experienced players, baseball swings have to be ironed out of the cricket strokes when batting, and the bowling action needs to be scrutinised to make sure there are no 'chucks'. For the most part, the coaches are doing their job well," Cagney said.

The SKK course is not the only source of new players as the KCA has been running coaching courses at selected schools and sports camps during the summer break. "All feedback has been positive, and there is growing interest for further sessions in the future," Cagney said.

While the region's other national teams are doing battle in Samoa, the KCA is holding a Sixes tournament next weekend involving teams from all over South Korea. "There are now pockets of cricket communities in the more regional areas (Ulsan City, Daejeon and Gojae Island) with whom we will be liaising in the future."

The KCA league finals will then be played, where Sri Lanka, unbeaten in Group A, plays runner-up in Group B, Hadri Star, comprising Pakistani expats, and the winner of Group B, Lions (mainly Indians) plays Gladiators (mostly Pakistanis).

Tony Munro

The ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) team have bounced back from a humiliating outright defeat in Round 1 to overcome South Australia Country (SAC) in Round 2 of the 2009 Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC).

With Round 2 being the first of the one-day fixtures, EAP were confident that the talented batting line-up would succeed second time around, and that they did.

With SAC electing to bat first on a good wicket, it was Haodo jnr and Fijian Lomani to take the new ball. After a solid opening stand of 25, youngster Haoda jnr ripped through the top order with a scintillating spell of pace bowling, taking 3 quick wickets, and with Lomani knocking over dangerous opener Knight, SAC was reduced to 4 for 46.

SAC continued to fight against a disciplined EAP attack, eventually dismissed for 181 in the 47th over. Haoda jnr followed up his outstanding form in Round 1 to claim 4 for 38 from 9 overs, while Lomani, Dikana and Ovia chipped in with 2 wickets each.

Chasing 182 to win from 53 overs, the EAP innings began disastrously losing Vani Vagi Morea for 0. Kobayashi and Ovia steadied the ship somewhat but wickets continued to fall regularly, reducing EAP to a precarious 5 for 51.

Enter young guns Kila Pala and Andrew Mansale, who added 100 runs with some deft stroke play, excellent running between wickets and powerful hitting. Mansale was eventually dismissed for an outstanding 43, however with still 31 runs to win the match was in the balance.

Pala continued his aggressive approach, slamming home his tenth six to finish the day unbeaten on 113, with Captain Dikana holding up an end to ensure victory was reached with reasonable comfort.

EAP now look forward to a two-day fixture against Western Australia Country at Eudunda Oval on January 8-9.

The ICC EAP squad for the ACCC: Rarua Dikana (PNG, capt), Andrew Mansale (Vanuatu, vice-capt), Josaia Baba (Fiji), Raymond Hoada Jnr (PNG), Masaomi Kobayashi (Japan), Trevor Langa (Vanuatu), Simione Latu (Tonga), Sakaria Lomani (Fiji), Mahuru Dai (PNG), Vani Vagi Morea (PNG), Ipi Morea (PNG), Vani Vagi Morea (PNG), John Ovia (PNG), Assad Vala (PNG), Kila Pala (PNG)

A seminar for the ICC’s East Asia – Pacific (EAP) Development Program kicked off today in Melbourne. The five-day course is “a key component in the process to achieve sustainable cricket education within the EAP region and includes an ICC Level 1 coaching Cricket Instructors Course,” the statement read.

Nine highly regarded coaches were selected from an extremely strong pool to attend. The participants are:

PNG John Ovia & Rarua Dikana

Vanuatu Richard Tatwin and Aby Joel John
Japan Jummei Hanada & Nigel Dixon
Fiji Seci Sekinini
Indonesia Melvin Ndoen
Tonga Sione Hamala

The ICC EAP have been able to gain access to world-class facilities through Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Cricket Club.

The ICC EAP Strategic Plan has a strong focus on developing quality cricket coaches in the EAP region, and the Advanced Coaching & Development Seminar is a major part of building sustainable coach development practises.