PNG Storm into Gold Medal Match

PNG were comprehensive winners over Fiji today in the final round of the Pacific Games Cricket Competition in what was a preview to Friday's gold medal match. In the other game Vanuatu notched their first win of the tournament with a 158 run win over New Caledonia.

Fiji were keen to put in a strong performance today and put some doubt in the minds of the PNG players ahead of the final, however it was business as usual for the PNG Barramundi's.

After a solid start that included some huge sixes from Maciu Gauna Fiji looked set for a score close to six an over.

This was brought to a halt quickly however, once Jason Kila came into the attack for Fiji and continued his fine form with the ball.

Kila claimed three wickets in a match winning performance that kept Fiji to 91 runs and he is keen for more of the same on Friday.

"I was really happy with my bowling today as I have been training really hard lately," said Kila. "Friday we plan to prepare and play the same as we did today."

In reply despite losing Tony Ura and Assad Vala cheaply PNG had no trouble chasing the modest total, passing it in the 14th over with seven wickets in hand.

Their captain Jack Vare top scored with 22.

In the morning match Vanuatu played like a team with something to prove after their disappointing result against Fiji yesterday.

Lead by their captain Andrew Mansale with 94, Vanuatu amassed 4-208 off their 20 overs in a performance that will leave them reflecting on what might have been.

"Yesterday was very disappointing and our players have taken it hard because we just didn't bat well," said Mansale. "But I was very proud of how we responded today."

In the New Caledonian innings Patrick Matautaava ripped through the top order in an intimidating display of pace bowling. He ended with figures of 3-8 and New Caledonia were all out for just 50.

The two sides will meet again on Friday for a bronze medal.

Brief scores:

At Terrain de cricket N?Du: Vanuatu 4-208, 20 overs (A Mansale 94, S Obed 46; F Fuimaono 1-16)

New Caledonia 10-50, 13.3 overs (W Fuimaono 17; P Matautaava 3-8, N Nipiko 2-2)

Vanuatu won by 158 runs

At Terrain de cricket N?Du: Fiji 10-91, 19.2 overs (M Gauna 26, S Ravoka 2; J Kila 3-21, J Boge 2-2)

PNG 3-92, 13.3 overs (J Vare 22; V Yabaki 1-13)

PNG won by 7 wickets