Late flurry not enough for EAP

Another strong showing at the Australian Country Cricket Championships by East Asia-Pacific was not enough to topple the undefeated Western Australia Country as EAP went down by 80 runs in their two day match at the Harvey Recreation Oval on Saturday.

The loss leaves EAP without a win at the tournament despite playing some really good cricket and being in contention in all four matches they have played to date.

"Again we played some good cricket throughout the game but could not play to the standard required for the entire duration," said EAP coach Tom Evans.

EAP won the toss and sent WA in on a good wicket that would offer the bowlers some assistance in the first two hours. Sakaria Lomani (FIJ) picked up an early wicket and then Jason Kila (PNG) picked up a second before lunch leaving the hosts at 2/77. A strong second session batting performance from Ross Knoll and Sam Whiteman took WA to 2/200 at tea leaving EAP with a lot of work to do.

To the EAP sides credit they stuck at it with the ball and in the field to take and 8/130 and dismiss WA in the last over of the day for 331. Chris Kent (PNG) was the pick of the bowlers with 4/44 and Kila was again impressive with 2/91 from 28 overs. In the field Lomani contributed with a run out as did Tony Ura (PNG) and Kapena Arua (PNG) took two great catches both running in hard from the boundary.

The following day the wicket was at its best and EAP knew that if they were to bat the full 96 overs the target was very achievable. Unfortunately Ura was out early and the tourists were unable to put together the early partnership required to put the pressure back on the bowlers.

The second session again proved tough for EAP as they consistently lost wickets and a victory looked like an impossible task until Jo Rika (FIJ) and Trevor Langa (VAN) came together for a terrific 8th wicket stand. The two combined for 128 a record 8th wicket partnership and got EAP within striking distance.

However, when Rika was dismissed for 73 EAP crumbled to lose 3 for 0 to be all out for 251. Langa remained unbeaten for a very well played 54.

EAP will fancy their chances of a maiden victory at the 2011 ACCC when they face South Australia who are also without a win in a two-day match starting on Monday.

"The side regrouped on the rest day and honed their skills in the nets ahead of the next challenge against South Australia tomorrow," said Evans.

To keep up with scores from the 2011 ACCC please visit http://www.cricket.com.au/accc2011