EAP put up brave fight against VIC Country

East Asia-Pacific (EAP) has gone down narrowly to Victoria Country in their round 3 match of the Australian Country Cricket Championships at Roche Park in Bunbury on Tuesday with Vic Country passing their total in the 47th over.

It is the third strong performance from EAP after impressive displays in their two T20 matches on Monday when they fell 48 runs short of NSW Country and only 13 runs short of NT Country.

"We have played some very good cricket in patches but have not been able to sustain that level for the entire game," said EAP coach Tom Evans who is confident a victory is just around the corner.

After winning the toss and electing to bat EAP had to work hard throughout their innings on a pitch that favoured the bowlers. Despite solid knocks of 43 from Chris Kent (PNG) and 27 from captain Andrew Mansale (VAN), EAP struggled in the conditions to put together an extended partnership and eventually were all out after 48 overs for 151.

Their bowlers fought back well however with Patrick Matautaava (VAN) claiming an early wicket that had Vic Country on the back foot.

Unfortunately EAP failed to capitalise on this early breakthrough dropping the prize wicket of Alex Cairns who went on to make an unbeaten 68 to set up the win.

For EAP Jason Kila 2 for 22 off 10 overs including 2 outstanding caught and bowled dismissals, and Andrew Mansale 0 for 22 off 10 overs bowled beautifully throughout the middle of the innings keeping the pressure right on the Vics.

In the end Vic Country passed their total with 12 balls to spare leaving EAP coach Evans proud but ruing a missed opportunity.

"In the end we were probably 20 runs short," he said. "Hopefully tomorrow the batting group will stand up and we can put a 100 overs of quality cricket together."

EAP?s next match is on Wednesday against Queensland Country. To keep up to date with results visit http://www.cricket.com.au/accc2011