Disappointing start as EAP batting fails

The ICC East Asia – Pacific (EAP) team began poorly in Round 1 of the 2009 Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC), succumbing to a strong Queensland Country (QC) outfit in the first two day match of the tournament.

With 5 debutants in the selected EAP team, an inexperienced but talented and enthusiastic line up was selected to take on the perennially powerful Queensland Country team on a flat and somewhat slow pitch at Nuriootpa Oval.

EAP began well, grabbing an early wicket through the pace of Tongan, Simione Latu, to have QC 1 for 9. QC then consolidated with a patient 31 run partnership, until PNG pace duo Raymond Hoada Jnr and Rarua Dikana produced a devastating spell of 3-12 to have QC reeling at 55-4.

From there the batting strength of QC came to the fore with an exceptional 196 run stand between Stains and Fitzsimmons, with several dropped catches adding to EAP’s frustration.

QC eventually declared at 333-7, with Raymond Hoada Jnr taking the bowling honours for EAP, grabbing 3-66 from 17 overs.

EAP’s batting never looked comfortable in the 15 over session before the end of day 1, capitulating to 57-8, eventually being dismissed for 60 from just 16.4 overs early on Day 2.

Asked to follow on, EAP fared slightly better in their second innings, compiling 132 all out from 31 overs. Vice-Captain Andrew Mansale batted patiently on his way to a well compiled 32, while Kila Pala scored 30.

EAP now look forward to a one-day fixture against South Australia Country at Kapunda Oval on 6 January.

**The ICC EAP Team for the ACCC is:**Rarua Dikana (PNG – Captain), Andrew Mansale (Vanuatu – Vice Captain), 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)