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 kicked off today in Apia, Samoa.

National teams from Fiji & Papua New Guinea (Group A – ICC Associate members) and Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tonga & Vanuatu (Group B – ICC Affiliate members except New Caledonia is a "New Territory"), are all competing under One Day International rules & playing conditions.

Under the watchful eye of standing New Zealand Test umpire, Billy Bowden, the Cook Islands defeated the hosts in a reasonably tight match. After being dismissed for just 111, the Cooks took some early wickets that set up the victory and eventually bowled Samoa all out for 74. For the winners, Joe Joseph, with 3/18 and 22 with the bat, was man of the match.

Cricket development newcomers, New Caledonia, who faced Vanuatu, elected to bat after winning the toss. When they were all out for 43, Vanuatu had a relatively small chase that they managed three wickets down. For the victors, George Reganvanu, took 4/10 and the man of the match award.

In a non-tournament "friendly", Fiji defeated Tonga. Chasing 206 all out with Joji Bulabelavu making a quick fire 80, Tonga batted out their full quota of 50 overs, finishing 8/165. Tonga's Sione Holi was man of the match taking 5/42.

SUMMARY SCORES FOR DAY 1
Cook Islands 111 (Tuakana Marukore 31, Geoff Clarke 3/18) defeated 
Samoa 74 (Joe Joseph 3/18)

New Caledonia 43 (George Reganvanu 4/10) lost to Vanuatu 3/44

"Practice match" 
Fiji 206 (Joji Bulabalavu 80, Sione Holi 5/42, Savelio Tamale 3/15) defeated
Tonga 8/165 (Semisi Vehikite 58no, Josefa Dabea 3/18)

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

For more information, please contact:

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