EAP records historic 67-run victory

East Asia Pacific (EAP) team recorded its largest victory in its seven-year history with a 66-run win over South Australia on the second day of the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Albury.

Winning the toss, EAP elected to bat, losing two early wickets before Chris Amini (51) and Assad Vala (50) put on an 86-run partnership to lift EAP to 187 all out.

In reply, the side then fielded well to defend its total which included two run-outs. South Australia was dismissed for 121 all out with Andrew Mansale and Loa Nou taking three-wickets apiece.

The win comes as a morale-booster for EAP, which had lost both its opening Twenty20 matches on the first day of the championships. In the first game, EAP limited Victoria to 118-3 with fine bowling from Willie Gavera, Amini and Nou. However, in reply, EAP was dismissed for only 100 runs despite a defiant 49 from Vala.

In the second Twenty20 match against Queensland, EAP restricted the opposition to just 108-9 with Gavera bowling well with his figures of 3-20. In response, EAP's batting failed again and was restricted to only 87 all out. Patrick Matautava was named Man of the Match for an all-round performance of 3-16 and his 28 runs off 16 balls.

EAP will next meet New South Wales at Bethanga on Tuesday.