Amini hits ton

PNG top order batsman Chris Amini was the anchor scoring 122 runs as the East Asia Pacific XI cruised to a first innings victory over Victoria (210) at the Lara Reserve in Geelong yesterday.But he was not the only Papua New Guinean to find form with the bat. Assad Vala (80) and Vani Vagi Morea (49) made runs as the EAP amassed 390 by the end of play on day two.Useful contributions from Mahuru Dai (27 from 15 balls) and Jason Kila (21) in the lower order ensured the side improved its run rate on the ladder.Amini played a measured innings hitting 15 boundaries and a six from 256 balls in nearly five hours (290 minutes) at the crease.Amini’s ton is the highest score for an EAP player after five rounds of matches at the 2012 Australian Country Cricket Championships in Victoria.After the loss of opener Jack Vare (14) on Sunday afternoon, which saw the overnight score at 1-39, Amini combined with No.3 Ben Malaita to add 98 runs for the second wicket.The Samoan was the perfect foil to the more sedate Amini blasting his 58 runs off just 63 balls which included seven boundaries and two 6s.Amini then put on 129 runs in a third wicket stand with Vala after Malaita departed with the score at 2-130.It was during this period that the EAP passed the home team’s score.The Keapara-native finally fell late in the day caught by Mark Hanley off the bowling of Richard Tibbett (1-43)with the score at 5-299Although the Victorians were made to toil all day bowlers David Lineen (3-60) and Brad Hauenstein (3-44) reaped some reward for their efforts.