Qld trounce EAP despite Ovia ton

By PETER PUSAL
After another forgettable batting performance by the East Asia Pacific team PNG’s Johnny Ovia is fast becoming something of a “go to” man as he again proved his worth hitting 119 not out against a powerful Queensland side in the Australian Country Cricket Championships in Mackay, Queensland, last Friday.
Playing an almost Michael Bevan-like role in the team, Ovia came to the crease with EAP floundering at 4-40 odd on day one and proceeded to rebuild the innings of an EAP team that is making a habit of starting poorly in matches so far in the championship.
Vanuatu’s Andrew Mansale (52) was the only other batsman who figured prominently for EAP playing a supporting role in EAP’s 10/241.
But by far the most consistent batsman for EAP in the tournament has been the indomitable Ovia whose century included 18 boundaries and lasted just under four hours.