NSW too strong for EAP

The East Asia - Pacific (EAP) team were comprehensively defeated by New South Wales (NSW) in the opening round of the Australian Country Cricket Championships (ACCC) being contested in Mildura, Victoria played on Tuesday (2nd Jan) / Wednesday (3rd Jan).

After winning the toss at the picturesque Aerodome Sports Complex, EAP bowlers Kitione Tavo (3 for 55) and Inoa Baeau (1 for 53) began proceedings with a probing opening spell. Both bowlers looked dangerous with the new ball and Tavo capitalised in the 12th over via an outside edge that was neatly claimed by Arua Uda at 2nd slip.

Hitolo Areni (2 for 52) and Captain Rarua Dikana (1 for 41) continued the positive start with Areni making the second breakthrough in the 23rd over and NSW went to lunch at 2 for 87 with the game evenly poised.

Some aggressive batting followed the break and Dikana responded with the introduction of off-spinner Jamie Brazier (3 for 30). Combining with the pace bowlers, Brazier slowed the scoring and EAP wrestled back the momentum with 4 for 31 in the space of 15 overs. At Tea, NSW had posted 7 for 208 as both teams looked to gain the ascendency in the crucial final session.

With the tail wagging NSW scrambled to 253 before being dismissed in the 88th over. Brazier was the pick of the bowlers while Tavo also impressed with a sustained display of quality pace bowling.

Wicket-keeper Ipi Morea was outstanding behind the stumps while Andrew Mansale created several run out chances as he prowled the cover/point region. Uda also made an early claim for catch of the Championships with a sharp, one-handed catch at 1st slip off Brazier.

EAP opening batsmen Uda and Tikovanualevu Kida were set a tricky 12 overs before the end of Day 1. This period was pivotal as NSW gained the upper hand snapping up both openers and the usually reliable John Ovia. EAP finished the day at 3 for 28 with Mansale and Mahuru Dai the not out batsman.

Conditions on the Day 2 were ideal for batting however NSW had the momentum and came out firing. Pace bowler Adrian Ezquerro claimed the first 5 wicket haul of the Championships as the NSW attack tore through the EAP middle order.

Brazier provide some resistance however his fighting 43 wasn't enough to get EAP past the follow-on target as the last wicket fell for a disappointing 102. Quality bowling from NSW and some poor shot selection from the EAP top order found the latter in the precarious position of being asked to bat again as NSW seized the opportunity to gain maximum outright points.

The EAP 2nd Innings started as the 1st left off with Uda falling to an ambitious hook shot in the first over. The baptism of fire continued for the EAP batsman with regular wickets falling throughout the afternoon. At Tea, EAP sat at 7 for 100 with hopes resting on Dikana and Mansale who had fought their way through 30 minutes leading into the break.

When Dikana fell to a rising delivery that ballooned off the handle of his bat, NSW had victory in their sights and claimed the final 2 wickets in quick time to dismiss EAP for 106 and secure outright points.

EAP Captain Rarua Dikana commented after the game: "This is a very disappointing result for us. We have worked hard preparing for the ACCC however NSW were too strong today."

"We must now re-group and tomorrow's game against Western Australia will be a good opportunity to bounce back. We are looking forward to the challenge and are confident we can turn this result around," continued Dikana.

Following their outright victory NSW sit on top of the table with Victoria and South Australia close behind as the other Round 1 winners.

EAP will head to Henshilwood Oval in Irymple to take on Western Australia in Round 2 of the ACCC.

Hourly updates and full scorecards from Round 1 are available here: