Race for Canada heats up for top 3 with vital clashes to shape ladder
Vanuatu and Fiji continue fine form with ruthless performances
Vanuatu v Indonesia
Played at Amini Park,Port Moresby
Indonesia 51 all out, 20.3 overs (R Rubbi 16)
Vanuatu 53-2, 10.5 overs (K Kenneth 30 not out)
Vanuatu won by eight wickets
Fiji v Japan
Played at Colts Ground,Port Moresby
Japan 59, 37.5 overs (R Kano 12)
Fiji 60-3, 6.4 overs (S Tupou 21)
Fiji won by seven wickets
The 2009 Pepsi ICC East Asia-Pacific U19 Cricket Trophy is racing towards an exciting climax, with 3 teams vying for the all important top 2 qualifying places.
PNG hold on to top spot after having the bye in Round 3, while both the Digicel Vanuatu U19.s and Fiji putting in commanding performances to drive towards their respective showdowns with the mighty Garamuts.
At Amini Park it was all Vanuatu after Indonesia won the toss and elected to bat, again in oppressive conditions.
Matautaava again led the charge for the Digicel Vanuatu U19.s, collecting 2 early wickets to put his team in a strong position, backed up by new ball partner Kenny Tari who also grabbed 2.
Indonesia provided some stern resistance at times, with classy middle order bat and EAP Centre of Excellence Squad Camp graduate Rizky Tri Rubby providing some stability, however the sheer persistence of the Vanuatu attack eventually broke through, dismissing the Indonesians for a disappointing 51.
In reply, the Digicel Vanuatu U19.s began shakily, with Indonesian up and comer Ishan Anil taking 2 early wickets, before the experienced pair of Kendy Kenneth and Trevor Langa steered their team home with relative comfort.
At Colts Ground, Japan elected to bat first against an aggressive Fijian attack. Young gun Takuna Tavo let go with some venomous deliveries mixed in with some outstanding line and length bowling, and dominated the early part of this match, finishing with 2 for 9 from 10 overs.
The Japanese continued to apply themselves, and defended valiantly, but against an attack boasting the talent and control of star spinner Viliame Yabaki they were never in danger of dominating the scoreboard.
Japan were eventually dismissed for 59, seeing out almost 38 overs before the Fijians set about boosting their net-run-rate with a commanding victory in less than 7 overs.
The PNG Garamuts now face Fiji and Vanuatu in the remaining 2 matches that are sure to shape the final standings.
Fiji are starting to really find their way in Port Moresby, and with paceman Takuna Tavo and star spinner Viliame Yabaki finding form, they will fancy themselves to put up competitive performances in the remaining 2 matches.
Vanuatu also fin themselves in the running for a qualification spot, and with the talent of Patrick Matautaava accompanied by the class of Simpson Obed with both bat and ball, they are no doubt going to be a force to be reckoned with.
Wednesday 3rd June . Rest Day
Thursday 4th June
Amini Park: PNG v Vanuatu
Colts Ground: Indonesia v Japan
For all match results, statistics, fixtures and updates, click here