EAP XI go back to back

In a landmark day for the ICC East Asia - Pacific (EAP) development program, the EAP XI followed up their first victory by defeating the highly fancied Queensland Country on the final round of the 2006 Australian Country Cricket Championships held in Mandurah, Western Australia.

EAP entered the second day of their Round 5 clash with Queensland Country at 7/297 with five overs still to bat due to the late start of play on Day 1. Big hitting Gimapau Keimelo and EAP skipper Rarua Dikana took to the Queensland attack from the very first ball and in a blend of aggressive running and powerful strokeplay the two all rounders added a further 45 runs in 30 balls to the score before Dikana was out caught on the boundary for 44 in the last over of the innings. Keimelo finished on a swashbuckling 46no and EAP totalled an imposing 8/342 with Queensland Country having 95 overs to chase the score.

The defensive effort for EAP started perfectly with Cook Islands speedster Dunu Eliaba snaring a wicket in the first over. Brian May (102) and Wade Fraser (51) then rebuilt the Queensland Country innings and their patient and determined 129 run partnership for the second wicket ensured the game was set for an exciting afternoon. Toovey (18), Fitzsimmon (57) and Frakes (24) all kept Queensland's score ticking along at the required run rate until Mahuru Dai produced a stroke of brilliance to throw the stumps down with a direct hit from the boundary to run out Frakes. Queensland was now 5/257 and the game was in the balance.

Off spinner Jamie Brazier was then introduced into the attack to work with medium pacer Dikana to try and stem the run flow and keep the game within EAP's reach. Both players worked diligently at their task and backed by enthusiastic fielding started to restrict the Queensland scoring pace. As the required run rate climbed above 5.5 runs per over, the Queenslanders were forced to hit out to try and keep pace. EAP answered the challenge and pounced on their opportunity with Dai again in the action charging 20 metres to his left in the outfield to take a spectacular high catch and 17 year old Andrew Mansale keeping his nerve to hold another rain maker. Wicketkeeper Ipi Morea continued his impressive tournament snaring a sharp stumping and with his smart caught behind off Brazier dismissing number 10 batter Stein Queensland Country had lost their 10th wicket and were dismissed for 325, still 17 runs short of their target.

The EAP players celebrated their victory in fine style in the middle of the ground instantly recognising the significance of holding on and defeating the premier team in the tournament.

"It was a fantastic performance from all players" commented EAP XI Coach Martin Gleeson "The players held their nerve in a very tense battle and showed that not only can they be competitive against the best teams in this tournament but that they are also capable of winning and setting the pace."

EAP's dramatic final round win secured fourth place overall, the team's highest ranking in its three years in competition. Although losing their last game to the Islanders, Queensland Country managed to narrowly hold onto top spot to take out the title for the second year running and be crowned as the Australian Country Cricket Champions for 2006.

EAP 8/342 (John Ovia 70, Mahuru Dai 64, Gimapau Keimelo 46no, Rarua Dikana 44, Tiko Kida 36, Arua Uda 28, Assad Vala 27, C Welsh 3/93) defeated Queensland Country 325 (B May 102, S Fitzsimmon 57, W Frazer 51, Jamie Brazier 3/59, Kitiano Tavo 2/43, Rarua Dikana 2/98).