Papua New Guinea are the East Asia-Pacific Under-19 champions after they beat Vanuatu by 172 runs in the final at Amini Park, Port Moresby.
PNG won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions and scored freely early on, reaching 24 without loss before Lega Tau was well caught by Karl Laau from the bowling of Niko Unavalu. Heni Siaka was hitting everything in the middle, and started to free his arms, ably supported by middle-order batsmen Tony Ura (27) and Jason Kila (48).
The talented Siaka scored his maiden century for PNG, by far the best innings of the tournament. He was eventually dismissed for 101, but by then the damage had been done and PNG raced towards a huge total, batting their full 50 overs reaching 276 for 8.
It was to take a monumental effort by Vanuatu to chase down these runs, and early on the fielding talents of PNG rose to the fore, with two magnificent run-outs reducing Vanuatu to 31 for 2. They fought on valiantly before they were eventually dismissed for 103 after 34 overs. Jason Kila was the chief destroyer with 4 for 20.
In the battle for 3rd place at Colts Ground, Fiji beat Indonesia by six wickets in a game affected by rain.
PNG and Vanuatu will head to Canada to participate in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
ICC staff
Congratulations to PNG and Vanuatu for terrific performances. This was a great tournament that once again demonstrated to cricket fans throughout the Asia/Pacific that the coach of Fiji, Steve Jenkin is not only the worst coach in International cricket, but most probably the worst coach in International sport. Carrying on from his senior team's humiliating defeat over two series at the hands of Vanuatu he once again has defied all odds and sent cricket in Fiji to another all time low. A seemingly invincible position against Vanuatu in the first match thrown away because he has no ability to prepare his team for matches of this quality. Once again the preparion and maturity of Vanuatu has left Steve embarrassed and disgraced. His demeanour around the matches is also appalling. He treats people as if he is coach of Manchester United as is his blatant arrogance. As a Liverpool fan I wish he was coach of Man U it would send them to 3rd division in record time. Steve please please quit!
Now the Under-19s world cup (2010) is really taking shape and the penultimate round in Canada in September should be really exciting: Hong Kong, Afghanistan, PNG, Vanuatu, Uganda, Sierra Leone and just four more to get to challenge for the five places allotted for Nairobi in Jan/Feb, when they'll meet the 'big shots' and no doubt inflict damage on their innate complacency; vide Netherlands and Ireland in the current 20/20 world cup in UK.
It'll be another great chance for the non Test-playing nations to make their mark. And they will!
'Topspinner'
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