Pacific were in relentless form with both bat and ball as they overcame local rivals Strongroom in an end of season clash. Batting first, the Pacific innings was lead by the powerful striking of Justin Roy, ably supported by Ali Pritchard at the death. Any Strongroom hope of chasing down the total was quickly dashed by the disciplined Pacific pace attack, Peter Alexander the stand out performer of the quintet.
A hirsute outfield greeted both sides on an overcast, but surprisingly dry day at Wray Crescent. Winning the toss, Pacific skipper, Chris Atkin, elected to bat. The outfield playing as slowly as expected, openers Bastin and Bennett struggled to get the scoreboard moving; a tidy line from the Strongroom opening bowlers pinning them down. Two quick wickets put the pressure on the middle order, which responded robustly. Atkin, joined by Roy began to find their form and the introduction of the Strongroom change bowlers released the shackles on the Pacific scoring.
The loss of Atkin with the score on 50 proved no hinderance to the Pacific flow and a resurgent Jon Webley joined Roy in the middle. The outfield continued to play like the rough at a municipal golf course, and scoring was always going to be in 1s and 6s. Thankfully, Roy contributed to the cause with five of the later and both bats looked to cycle the strike. Momentum maintained despite the loss of Webley for 20, and Pritchard joined the show with a determined presence. Cycling the strike and dispatching the bad ball, the partnership moved Pacific onto 176 in the last over, before Roy fell for 84 in a run out. Pacific closed with Pritchard on 45 and a healthy total of 180 for 5.
After a well received and robust tea, the Pacific opening attack of Alexander and James Smith got down to business, working tidy lines. The need to score quickly always had the Strongroom top order under pressure and this told as the top four fell cheaply leaving Strongroom slumped on 27 for 4. Strongroom captain, Jon Gower joined the fray but could do nothing to turn the Pacific tide, walking graciously after a faint edge behind. Wickets continued to tumble, Alexander the pick of the bowling finishing with 4 wickets for only 20 runs.
Any hope of respite from the Pacific change bowling was short lived as James Gleadow, Lucius Faisal and Jon Brown continued to tie down the Strongroom tail in fluctuating light. A dogged ninth wicket partnership from Buster and Rafman held off the inevitable, but Pacific would not be denied and it was left to Jon Brown to bowl Rafman for the final wicket.
Given the outfield and the forecast for the day, an excellent day's cricket and a thoroughly well spirited match. Both sides betook to the friendly confines of The Larrik; a snug from the saturnine eve.
MOM : Justin Roy. On a day where big hitting was key, his lusty blows placed Pacific in a strong position. An honourable mention though to Peter Alexander with an excellent exhibition of attacking bowling.
XI v Strongroom. Wray Crescent. 12 noon. Be at the ground by 11.30am please & don't forget to bring a tea for 2 (double set of sarnies & cakes/biscuits).
Chris Atkin*, Rob Bastin, Joe Bennett, Jon Brown, Lucius Faisal, James Gleadow, Peter Hollman, Alistair Pritchard, James Smith, Jon Webley & Justin Roy.
Reserves:- Mike Alexander, Jig Ramji, Kevin Alexander, Frank Baglivi, Pete Alexander, Tim Ward.
