PNG win back to back ICC EAP U15 titles!

Once again we were blessed with no rain for the final day's play of the U15 Cricket 8's. Play got under way on time and we finished the day without any delays. Not bad considering we are still in the wet season in Samoa.

Fiji took on Tonga for 3rd place and were looking to reverse the result from the preliminary round where they narrowly lost by 3 runs. Fiji batted first and Tonga had them in a bit of trouble at 2/21 after 7 overs. Then Cakacaka and Sau put together a 91 run partnership before Cakacaka was out on 49. The Fijian boys finished on 4/151 and it was always going to be daunting run chase for Tonga. Tonga made it to the 17th over but couldn't muster enough runs, they were all bowled out for 44. Their Captain, Ofa top scored with 20 and the pick of the Fijian bowlers was Tukana Tavo with 3/5.

In the match to decide 5th and 6th place Cook Islands took on the host nation, Samoa. In the preliminary rounds Samoa beat Cook Islands in a very close match. So it was always going to be a tough contest. Cook Islands won the toss and sent Samoa in to bat. They lost 2 quick wickets, but Filipo and Chris steadied the ship with a partnership of 40 runs. Aleki Iasoni then finished the innings off with an unbeaten 46. Samoa posted a huge total of 5/144 for the Cook Islands to chase down. Cooks were in trouble early when they were 3/15 after 4 overs. Daniel Matara then came in and made a quick fire 14 but it was not going to be enough. Samoa had them all out for 53 in the 15th over to finish the Tournament in fifth position. Onosai Iese was the best of the Samoan bowlers finishing with 3/11.

With the morning matches over it was time for the Tournament winner to be decided. Vanuatu won the toss and decided to bat first. They were looking for a strong start but the PNG bowlers had other ideas. Their Captain was out for a duck and they were 2/8 in the fourth over. Each time the Vanuatu batsmen looked like getting started the PNG bowlers took wickets. PNG were also impressive in the field with 2 valuable run outs. Vanuatu ended up being bowled out for 58 in the 13th over. PNG went into to bat brimming with confidence. At the ten over mark they were 3/43 and looking to make the runs quickly. PNG took full advantage of the double zone and took out the title in the 13th over, finishing on 3/61. Mea Chris was top scorer for PNG with 21 not out. So, history repeats itself with PNG winning back to back ICC EAP U15 titles over Vanuatu.

Final Standings:
1. Papua New Guinea
2. Vanuatu
3. Fiji
4. Tonga
5. Samoa
6. Cook Islands
7. Japan