Rika again provides the rock for Fiji

19 year old rookie Josefa Rika again provided the backbone of the batting as Fiji survived an early scare to overcome a fighting Cook Islands in Match 2 of the 2006 EAP Cricket Trophy played today at the Peter Burge Oval at Redlands CC in Brisbane, Australia.

The Cooks won the toss and their decision to bat initially backfired under the pace and pressure of Fiji quicks Kitiano Tavo (3/21 off 7.3 overs) and Samuela Draunivudi (1/13 off 10 overs). Tavo in particular bowled with great control and was rewarded with the first three wickets in his opening spell. The Cooks top order batters struggled to get going against the pace onslaught and the introduction of Jone Seuvou provided little relief as the Cooks slumped to 8/41 after only 20 overs.

With disaster looming number 10 batter Moumou Marurai walked the crease and with a lot of courage and determination held off the Fijian attack. He started defensively and with Dawn Tare (15) providing support, the pair compiled the highest partnership of the innings with 38 runs. After Tare s dismissal, Marurai cut loose and attacked the bowlers and with a combination of solid defence and lusty hitting restored some respectability to the score. Marurai s innings was cut short of a well deserved half century when he was caught in the deep for 46 to close the Cooks innings in the 42nd over at 106. Sevou finished with 3/17 off his 10 overs and Neil Maxwell (2/19 off 4.5) chipped in with the last two wickets.

The Cooks started aggressively with the ball with Dunu Eliaba providing the fire and Joseph Joe attacking the stumps to collect the early scalps of Colin Rika (bowled for 1) and yesterday s Player of the Match Tikoivanualevu Kida (LBW for 0). With Fiji teetering at 2/16 at the luncheon interval it was game on.

Neil Maxwell and Josefa Rika came out after the break and played similar roles to yesterday to compile 42 for the third wicket before Maxwell was adjudged LBW to Marurai s medium pace. Seci Tuiwai nervously ran himself out soon after before Iniasi Cakacaka showed his experience in tight situations and partnered with Rika to take the score to 97 before Rika was dismissed for a mature 41 to follow his unconquered 50 yesterday.

Cakacaka finished with 28 not out including the winning runs as Fiji completed their back to back victory for the loss of five wickets in only 26 overs. Joe (2/34 off 8 overs) and Eliaba (1/32 off 9) toiled hard to be the best of the Cooks bowlers.

Fiji now lead the competition with two wins from two games with tomorrow s clash between Japan and Cook Islands crucial for both teams to stay in touch with the tournament leaders.