Hartley had by far the better of a drawn game that opened Pacific's 2005 campaign. Despite generally tidy fielding and encouraging efforts with the ball - Pacific were on the receiving end of a batting masterclass from Suffolk minor Counties young star Nick Lee (100*).

Lee is soon to face Hampshire - Shayne Warne and all - in a C&G match. Doubtless he hopes to do as well as he did against Pacific's own Sha(y)nes - Messers Rees and Mundie - although Aussie Mundie's early overs mark him out as a good find for the club. The final huge straight six he struck off an impressive Darryl Roberts will live long in the memory.

Facing an imposing total - Pacific's innings featured the surprising departure of skipper Jim Davies when the string went in his trousers while adjusting his protective equipment between overs! Rather than hold up the game whilst a new pair of strides were obtained from his bag - the old Welsh warhorse was given dispensation to retire and return at the fall of the next wicket. Sadly that wicket fell within (approriately) 2 balls - so Davies had to wait another few more minutes before returning to the crease as Pullen (4 for 6) decimated the Pacific top order.

He had the last laugh however - as he reached an chanceless and obdurate unbeaten 50 - holding together the lower order when crease occupation was the order of the day. Top marks for effort to Rob Bastin, Matt Holliday, Stuart Mullin (13 - the only other double figure score) and John Hill. The veteran Hill's half hour innings for 1 was vital in the context of the game and did just enough to ensure that Pacific escaped with a draw against their hospitable hosts.

"Thank Gawd for the Captain's innings which gave some sort of respectability or the first match would have been complete humiliation. No excuses the better team would have won otherwise." said old pro Peter Hollman afterwards.

MOM - John Hill - The veteran put in a top effort in the field and played a vital innings occupying the crease to save the game.

Packing the Kit - Rob Bastin - throwing up on the way to the game and 3 expensive overs.