The Cook Islands Men’s Cricket team ended their tri-series competition in Japan with some very strong bowling innings in extremely challenging conditions, says Grant Walker.

The team have just ended their tri-series against Thailand and hosts Sano, Japan this week.

Cricket Association president Grant Walker said, “The Cooks finished the tour 1-4 but with several very strong bowling innings in extremely challenging conditions with a spinning pitch and strong competition (Japan 43rd ranked).

“As I said outset, the tour was to see where we are and what we need to do to develop. This was 100 per cent achieved. We know we are competitive and have plans to continue to build this program.”

Walker told the team, “We form to play and the professional sides play for form. So our goal is to keep a team in being, find additional opportunities to play internationals and friendlies, and development of our side.”

He said that while the results aren’t as good as he had hoped, the process absolutely was, and that and their strong team culture bode well for the future.

Meanwhile, in their final match, Japan’s batters and bowlers helped Japan beat Cook Islands by 42 runs at the Sano International Cricket Ground, Sano, Kanto in Japan.

Milton Kavana, Jared Tutty and Ben Vakatini were out with injuries.

Walker said it was a very strong effort by the men’s team that fell short.

“After a strong start to our bowling innings, the game turned as Oscar Taylor appeared to have dismissed the Japan captain lbw in the third over.

“Sadly, the umpire did not give the dismissal to the dismay of the Cooks and supporters. Having received this reprieve, Kendall Kawadkoi Flemin went on to score 52 more runs, finishing at 60 for 46 and setting a Japan total of 139.

“The Cooks gamely fought back but the loss of our early batters and the total required was too much for the Kuki’s.”

He added that Oscar Taylor again stood out as a force with the ball and received the team player of the tour award.

Cook Islands Cricket Association will now focus on the women’s team as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in Fiji this September.