EAP display strong showing at tournament

 A STRONG showing at the Australian Country Cricket Championships by East Asia-Pacific (EAP) was not enough to topple Western Australia as they went down by 80 runs in their two day match on Saturday.

The loss leaves EAP without a win at the tournament after struggling in all four matches they have played to date.

EAP won the toss and sent WA in on a good wicket that would offer the bowlers some assistance in the first two sessions. 

Sakaria Lomani of Fiji picked up an early wicket and then PNG Barramundi Jason Kila picked up a second leaving the hosts at 2/77. 

A strong second session batting performance from Ross Knoll and Sam Whiteman took Western Australia to 2/200 at tea.

To the EAP side’s credit they stuck at it with the ball and in the field to take 8/130 and dismiss WA in the last over of the day for 331. 

Brisbane-based Barramundi Chris Kent was the pick of the bowlers with 4/44 and Kila was again impressive with 2/91 from 28 overs. 

EAP’s run chase was hampered by the top order’s inability to make a meaningful contribution with the bat and it was left to lower order batsman Jo Rika (Fiji) and Trevor Langa (Vanuatu) pitch in with a terrific 8th wicket stand of 128. 

However, when Rika was dismissed for 73 EAP crumbled to lose 3 for 0 to be all out for 251. Langa remained unbeaten for a very well played 54. 

EAP coach Tom Evans said: “Again we played some good cricket throughout the game but could not play to the standard required for the entire duration.” 

This follows successive losses since round one against New South Wales Country, Northern Territory Country, Victoria Country, while only drawing with Queensland Country.

Yesterday EAP began their second two-dayer against South Australia who are also winless in the tournament. 

EAP posted 8/177 after 65 overs and SA was  1/23 after 13 overs at 6pm PNG time with the match scheduled to end today. 

They will also play their final game in the last round tomorrow against the Australian Capital Territory.