PNG & Vanuatu undefeated on day one!

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Vanuatu both began the ICC East Asia-Pacific (EAP) U/15 Cricket 8s in fine style today, posting victories in their opening games of the 8-a-side junior tournament in Apia, Samoa.

In the morning session on day one PNG defeated Tonga without losing a wicket. They again showed their strength in their afternoon game chasing down Cook Islands score of 31, once again without losing any wickets. An individual highlight was Lakani Seura's hat trick against Cook Islands.

Vanuatu started with a strong win over Samoa in their first game when they reached the target of 66, losing only 3 wickets. They faced tougher opposition in their afternoon game against Fiji. Fiji posted a competitive total of 91. Vanuatu lost 4 wickets in their chase and got to 92 in just under 12 overs.

Fiji may have lost to Vanuatu in their afternoon game but they started with a strong win over Japan in their opening match, easily reaching the target of 33.

Japan fought valiantly against Tonga in their afternoon match after a disappointing start in the morning session. Tonga amassed 5/152 in their innings, the highest for the day. Japan made it to the 16th over before Tonga had them all out for 49.

Among the matches scheduled for day two is the eagerly awaited clash between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu in the afternoon, two countries that played off in the final at the 2005 ICC EAP Cricket 8's and are both undefeated after Day One.