NSW scores easy victory over EAP on day three

New South Wales (NSW) proved to be too good for East Asia Pacific (EAP) with a comfortable eight-wicket victory on the third day of the Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC) in Bethanga, some 40kms past the NSW border into Victoria.

EAP skipper Andrew Mansale won the toss and elected to bat but against a fired up NSW attack, EAP was in early trouble at 51-5 before Assad Vala (39) and PNG team-mate Jeremiah Nigani (20) put on 60 for the sixth wicket. The departure of Vala saw the loss of two quick wickets before a tail-end partnership between Vanuatu all-rounder Patrick Matautava (18) and PNG pace bowler Loa Nou (25) built up a competitive score of 173 all out in 44.4 overs.

EAP was confident after its bowling performance knocked over South Australia on a similar slow wicket the day before. With early chances put down and several missed stumpings, the NSW openers put on 123 before EAP strike bowler Willie Gavera knocked over NSW opener Gavin Batty's off stump for 77.

EAP never looked in the hunt when NSW captain Jamie Cook smashed 27 off 20 balls to give NSW the extra bonus point in 32nd over.

EAP is placed sixth with a win from four games and have a big game on Thursday when it takes on fifth-placed Western Australia (WA) in the first of the two-day games. EAP hopes to win against WA after coming close to a victory last year and never having beaten the team in the seven years it has been in the competition.

Assad Vala (PNG) is the leading run-scorer for EAP and will need to perform well to give the team a chance to knock over WA at Uana Road ground in Albury. The Vanuatu wicket-keeper will return in the round five clash after dislocating his finger against Queensland on the opening day, while Fiji's Jo Rika will get his chance to open the batting.

EAP leading run-scorers:
Assad Vala (PNG) 139 runs (third overall)
Patrick Matautava (Vanuatu) 83 runs (16th overall)

Leading wicket-takers:
Willie Gavera (PNG) six wickets
Loa Nou (PNG) four wickets