First win for EAP at 2013 Australian Country Cricket Championships
ICC East Asia-Pacific is on the scoreboard with a convincing first innings win over Australian Capital Territory in the second round of the 2013 Australian Country Champs in Bundaberg, Queensland.
Coach Rarua Dikana was encouraged by his side's improvement from their first round clash. "We let ourselves down at key moments against Queensland Country a few days ago. This time we were more mentally focused and took opportunities when they were presented. I'm particularly impressed at the performances of our younger players who have stepped up a gear when playing quality, tough opposition."
Batting first and at 2/97, ACT began the match positively with their opener and number 3 batsmen both making starts. However, when captain Chris Amini threw the ball to his younger brother Charles it was all the young leg spinner as he spun his way to excellent figures of 5-31. ACT was dismissed for 140 inside 60 overs leaving the door open for EAP to make inroads into their run-chase by the end of the first day.
The young Amini was in action again as the early loss of experienced senior players Vala, Amini and Mansale meant it was left to him and PNG compatriot Chris Kent to steady the ship. The pair combined for a handy 46-run partnership but the loss of both their wickets before stumps left the game delicately poised at 6/107.
Enter the always composed Jack Vare who, along with some cameos from Jason Kila (14) and Patrick Matautaava (14), saw EAP past the ACT total to claim much-needed first innings points. Vare smashed eleven boundaries, including one out of the ground, on his way to 68 not out.
Having been dismissed for 208 and with a 68-run lead, PNG spearhead Willie Gavera then kept the chances of further outright points alive with two quick wickets and had ACT nervous at 2/12. However some experienced and sensible batting in the middle-order shut down any hope, ACT finishing 6/176 when stumps were drawn.
EAP now move into fourth position on the ladder and will be looking forward to showcasing their explosive, dynamic talent in tomorrow's double-header Twenty20 matches against Victoria in the morning and South Australia later that afternoon.
For up to date scorecards and ladders, visit MyCricket.
Short Scoreboard:
Round 2 (6&7 January): Australian Capital Territory 140 (CJ Amini 5-31) & 6/176 (W Gavera 2-31, CJ Amini 2-41) lost to East Asia-Pacific 208 (J Vare 68*, C Kent 54) on first innings.
Ladder:
- NSW Country; 2. Victoria Country; 3. South Australia Country; 4. East Asia-Pacific; 5. Queensland Country; 6. Western Australia Country; 7. Northern Territory; 8. ACT