EAP taste first victory in Squad Camp

The ICC EAP squad received a boost after an excellent win over a strong Australian Sports Gateway X1 (ASG).

Though the EAP team has some injury concerns with some star players it was a successful day at Wynnum Manly with a convincing win inspired by a five-wicket haul to captain Chris Amini.

ASG X1 batted first on a batting friendly pitch and got off to a quick start attacking the EAP bowlers and putting on a 91-run partnership for the first wicket before Queensland state contracted player Kemp was out off the bowling of Amini for 54.

ASG continued to build towards a competitive score with Taj (50) and Lyn putting on a run a ball 50-run partnership. Some tight overs from Mansale and Amini saw EAP restrict ASG to 256 all out in the 48th over.

EAP openers Kobyashi (Japan) and Morea (PNG) started well with Morea hitting two boundaries off the opening over and then putting on 114 before Morea was outdone with a good slower ball from Ali where he was caught at square leg.

Chris Amini then came to the wicket and the runs continued to flow before he was trapped in front for 16.

Kobyashi then continued the form that he showed in glimpses last season and went on to score a fine 50 before being run out at the non strikers after a powerful drive from Assad Vala.

EAP lost quick wickets, losing some middle order control as they lost three wickets for 20 runs, before Vanuatu pair, Langa (42*) and Mansale(25*) came to the crease to put on a sixth wicket stand of 77 to complete a five-wicket win in the 46th over to give EAP its first win of the Squad camp.

Wednesday saw an early start for the squad with a 5am wake up call and beach session at Southbank, with the session included some group competitions and individual challenges.

After some breakfast, the squad then went off to the GABBA to watch the Queensland Bulls win against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield match. The squad then had a chance to train in the GABBA nets as well as talk to some of the Tasmanian players that dropped in to have a look.

The afternoon session was a combination of footage viewing and debriefing of the game as well as some fielding and batting skills work.

Friday will see the squad take on ASG again in what will be a highlight for the camp as the team takes to the impressive Allan Border field.