Samoa, Vanuatu and Fiji recorded victories in a rain affected round of matches in Apia today.

Batting first against Samoa, Cook Islands, in a bit of a departure from their usual attacking batting method, grafted to 135 all out in 47.4 overs and that total included a last wicket stand of 49 between Pita Tare (14*) and Mou Murarai (17). Lautala Fuimoana produced the outstanding bowling analysis of 10-6-7-2. Samoa reached a Duckworth/Lewis revised target of 98 in 23 overs with EAP representative Ben Mailata making 40 not out.

The home side are now a clear game ahead of the rest on top of the Division two table but with a bye still to come.

Indonesia's batsmen also struggled against Vanuatu slumping to 85-7 after 30 overs but recovering somewhat to reach 145 from 48.4 overs. 19 year old Pratyush Chaturvedi continued his good form with 34 while for Vanuatu, Under-19 heroes Simpson Obed (5-20) and Patrick Matautaava (3-23) found their best form.

Vanuatu polished off the D/L target in just 20 overs with Damien Smith remaining unbeaten on 50.

In the Division one contest, Fiji started very brightly against Japan reaching 128-1 with Josaia Baba scoring 63 and Joji Bulabalavu 35 before the Japanese bowlers hit back claiming six quick wickets. With the total at 149-7, Fiji's renowned deep batting line-up went to work. Kida Jikoivanualevu (34) guided the tail to a very competitive 238 with Sakaraia Lomani making a valuable 11 not out and Lee Waqaituinayau 16. A combination of brilliant Japanese fielding and chaotic running between wickets resulted in four runs outs.

Mohammed Rizwan was the pick of the Japanese bowlers claiming 4 for 49 from ten overs.

Then rain set in and the Japanese innings was was reduced to 30 overs with a revised target of 181 under the Duckworth/Lewis system. Japan have a squad largely made up of developing players for this tournament and it was to be expected that they found the total well out of reach finishing on 86-8.

Mohammad Rizwan once again did well for Japan scoring 24. The wickets were evenly shared among the very accurate Fijian bowlers.

Division one

Fiji 238 (50) Josaia Baba 63, Joji Bulabalavu 35, Kida Jikoivanualevu 34, Mohammad Rizwan 4-49 defeated Japan 86-8 (30) Mohammad Rizwan 24, Greg Browne 2-11, Sakaraia Lomani 2-12, Viliame Yabaki 2-12 by 95 runs (DL)

Division two

Indonesia 145 (48.4) Pratyush Chaturvedi 34, Simpson Obed 5-20, Patrick Matautaava 3-23 lost to Vanuatu 131-1 (20) Damien Smith 50*, Lenika Natapei 35 by 9 wickets (DL)

Cook Islands 135 (47.4) Davis Teinaki 26, Lautala Fuimoana 2-7, Sipiliano Tua 2-18 lost to Samoa 98-2 (23) Ben Mailata 40* by 8 wickets (DL)

Leading run scorers (50 over competition)

1.  Ajantha Thenuwara (Indonesia) 67 at 33.50
2.  Josaia Baba (Fiji) 63 at 63.00
3.  Damien Smith (Vanuatu) 50 at ----
4.  Ron Turner (Samoa) 50 at 25.00
5.  Joji Bulabalavu (Fiji) 48 at 24.00
6.  Jo Sorovakatini (Fiji) 47 at 47.00
7.  Ben Mailata (Samoa) 46 at 46.00
8.  Geoff Clarke (Samoa) 42 at 42.00
9.  Tino Etita (Cook Islands) 42 at 21.00
10. Arua Dikana (PNG) 38 at 38.00

Leading wicket takers (50 over competition)

1.  Sakaraia Lomani (Fiji) 6 at 7.33
2.  Pipi Raho (PNG) 5 at 3.60
3.  Simpson Obed (Vanuatu) 5 at 4.00
4.  Lautala Fuimoana (Samoa) 5 at 6.40
5.  Tino Etita (Cook Islands) 5 at 7.80
6.  Loa Nou (PNG) 4 at 3.25
7.  Dean Seuoti (Samoa) 4 at 9.50
8.  Mohammad Rizwan (Japan) 4 at 12.25
9.  Faasao Mulivai (Samoa) 4 at 16.25
10. Viliame Yabaki (Fiji) 3 at 5.00