After two heartbreaking losses in a row, the Cook Islands finished their Cricket tournament on a high beating Japan by 26 runs in the final match of the EAP Cricket Trophy in Brisbane.
Producing their best batting effort, the Cook Islands anchored by a 76 run third wicket partnership between Chris Brown 43 and William Browne 38 showed intent and discipline to compile 168 before Ngatokorima Kairua was caught behind for 34 off the bowling of Naoki Miyaji.
Medium pacer Gavin Beath was the best of the Japanese bowlers with 4 wickets for 19 off 9 overs.
In the changover Chris Brown got into his stride taking two early wickets before lunch to leave Japan with only eight runs on the board.
Brown also claimed a third wicket to claim the bowling honours with three wickets for nine runs off nine overs.
Dawn Tare completed an excellent game taking three for 28 off eight overs.
The Cook Island win elevated to second place, above Japan on net run rate with the unbeaten Fiji claiming the title as EAP Cricket Trophy champions.
