Part of the ICC's Global Development Program to progress the game in non-Test nations, and in particular the East Asia – Pacific Region Program, the second-ever ICC Pacifica Cricket Championships continued today with three hard fought and high quality matches in Apia, Samoa. National teams from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga & Vanuatu are all competing under One Day International rules & playing conditions.

In the first game of a three-match series in Group A, Fiji & Papua New Guinea went head-to-head for the first time since the semi-final of this same event in February 2001 in Auckland where Fiji registered an historic second ever win against PNG in many years of international competition. And after a fine bowling and fielding display, dismissing PNG for 139 in 40.3 overs with Atunaisa Bale taking 3/29, it looked like they might do it again. But PNG rallied in the field and with some early wickets set up a solid victory bowling Fiji all out for 89 in 29.3 overs. Noel Kariko was the star of the day with the ball with 6/38 and was man of the match. Toka Gaudi also took 3/12 for the winners. Fiji's Eric Browne made 36 not out. Game two will be crucial.

The other two matches in Group B were true "crunch" games for all concerned and it is interesting to note that the teams that came out victors were Samoa, who batted out its full quota of 50 overs, and Tonga, who have yet to be dismissed for the tournament. This says a lot for the improving development of the game at the elite level in the ICC Affiliate member nations and highlights the importance of using all allocated batting time.

Samoa made 9/221 and bowled out Vanuatu for 126 in 39.4 overs. Gary Tuiletufunga top scored 31 not out. Vanuatu's Tari Saru Nishai too 3/26 off his 10 overs. Samoa's Niko Apa took 3/21 and the home team's Sinaumea Laumea, with 28 and 3/27 was man of the match.

Cook Islands were all out 128 in 48.3 overs versus Tonga. In reply, Tonga passed the total four wickets down in 30.3 overs. Kuli Kivalu took 4/29 for the winners and received the man of the match award.

SUMMARY SCORES FOR DAY 3
Papua New Guinea 139 (James Maha 30, Atunaisa Bale 3/29) defeated Fiji 89 (Eric Browne 36no, Noel Kariko 6/38, Toka Gaudi 3/12)

Samoa 9/221 (Gary Tuiletufunga 31no, Tari Seri Nishai 3/26) defeated Vanuatu 126 (Niko Apa 3/21, Sinaumea Laumea 3/27)

Cook islands 128 (Kuli Kivalu 4/29) lost to Tonga 4/133 (Selusalema Vite 31)

TABLE STANDINGS AFTER DAY 3
GROUP A                                 GROUP B	
1. Papua New Guinea	2 points  1.	Tonga           4 points
2. Fiji                 0 points  2.    Samoa           4 points	
                                  3.    Cook Islands    2 points
                                  4.    Vanuatu		2 points
                                  5.    New Caledonia   0 points

For more information:
www.icc.cricket.org (Development & East Asia – Pacific / Tournament links), www.samoa.ws
Seb Kohlhsae, Samoa English Cricket Association President & Tournament Manager, Ph. +685 70 419 (mobile)
Matthew Kennedy, ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Manager, Ph. +685 76 849 (mobile)
Tim Anderson, ICC East Asia - Pacific Development Officer, Ph. +685 76 848 (mobile)
Championships Office (irregularly staffed), Ph. +685 30 641, Fax. +685 23 652 (Attention; Matthew Kennedy – Cricket Tournament), E-mail cricket@samoa.ws

© ICC 2002