Losing the toss and fielding first with a man missing, Pacific did well to keep the run rate low in the first half of the game. In fact the fielding performance was a great show of commitment from Pacific. Highlights included Sammy Purcell taking an awesome diving catch in covers off Shayne Rees, Aroon Korgoankar taking an impressive one handed catch at mid on off Ben Gibson, and Rees securing a scalp with a catch at deep mid wicket. Chandler was unlucky to go unrewarded for his fine spell. The dropped catches (from Gibson off Rees, Rees of Gibson and Korgoankar off Korgoankar) failed to dampen spirits or loosen Pacific's command of the game.

Pacific's batting performance was faultless. Openers Purcell and Campbell set off to a flying start. Having scored 46 off the first 5 overs, victory looked certain. Just as well as even a small collapse could have proved fatal after Chandler had to depart early to nurse a very poorly girlfriend. Nice to see his tender side. He'll make someone (who knows, perhaps Jenny???) a good husband someday. But I digress. Cunningly placed shots into the gaps meant the Hendon & Edgeware fielders had few chances, and Pacific achieved the required 99 with 3 overs to spare. Superb.

Immediately after the game, 1996 double winning AND 2001 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Captain, Jonathan Campbell, said after his not out 50, that playing in this team invoked all the happy memories of his side 10 years ago. Good news indeed but as the top 4 teams in the Red Conference have all beaten the bottom 4, this would suggest that all the tougher fixtures are yet to come beginning with 2006 3rd placed Caledonian Conquerors tomorrow week.

pitch 3. VIII:- Shayne Rees*, Steve Emmins+, Rob Allum, Conrad Chandler, Aroon Korgoankar, Ben Gibson, Sammy Purcell & Jonathon Campbell.