PNG, Samoa and the Cook Islands get winning starts
Samoa have begun their quest to win the Non-World Cricket League competition with a solid performance against a disappointing Tonga in round one of the 2009 Pepsi ICC EAP Men's Cricket Trophy.
After winning the toss and batting, Samoan Captain Geoff Clarke began in emphatic style with a beautiful boundary through cover from the very first ball of the match. Ably supported by opening partner Uala Kaisala, the pair took the score to the 30 in quick time before Kaisala holed out to Deep long on.
Ron Turner joined Clarke to add 35 before a middle order collapse saw Samoa struggle to 5 for 102. As the wickets continued to fall, Samoa were eventually dismissed for 128, and Tonga were right in the game.
Tongan openers Sione Holi and Filimone Moala began confidently, smashing their way to the 22 without loss before a combination of some poor shot selection and accurate bowling cut a swathe through the middle order, the Tongans eventually dismissed for just 81.
Mulivai, Fuimoana and Seuoti all grabbed 3 wickets a piece for the hosts as they coasted to victory.
In other matches, the Cook Islands produced an outstanding display against Indonesia on the back of a fine all round performance from Tino Etita while PNG were in serious early trouble before overcoming a gallant Fiji on Oval #1.
Cook Islander Etita bowled superbly to take 4 for 20 from seven tight overs, ably supported by Davis Teinaki who grabbed 3 for 6 from 5 accurate overs.
Indonesian opener Thenuara held the innings together with a fine 67, but had little support as they were bowled out in the 35th over for 122.
The total was never going to be enough against a strong Cook Islands line-up, with Etita again shining with an aggressive 42, including 3 sixes. Captain Chris Brown steered his team home with a patient innings as the Cook Islands coasted to a seven wicket victory.
Fiji took the game right up to the highly fancied Barramundi's, at one stage having PNG reeling at 6 for 43 before a rain delay gave PNG a chance to regroup.
Keeper Arua Dikana (39), brother of PNG star Rarua Dikana, batted well with the tail to help PNG to a competitive total of 117, while it was left arm quick Lomani who did the damage with the ball for Fiji, finishing with 3 for 31 from 8 overs.
With the required target reduced to 108 from 43 overs due to the rain delay, Fiji were confident of reaching the required runs.
PNG had other ideas, and with a bowling line-up of Willie Gavera, Loa Nou and young gun Pipi Raho, the Barramundi's were always in the hunt.
Gavera, while not claiming a wicket, bowled at an express pace and had the Fijians rattled early, while Loa Nou picked up wickets consistently at the other end, finishing a fine performance with 4 for 13 from 7 overs.
Youngster Pipi Raho also bowled well, grabbing early wickets to put the Blues under pressure, eventually finishing with the superb figures of 5 overs, 1 maiden, 5 for 18.
The teams will have a well earned rest day on Sunday, before Round two of the 50 over competitions is played on Monday 21 September.