On a beautiful autumn day at Moor Mead Pacific triumphed thanks principally due to fine displays by Webley and Roberts. Pacific batted first as most of the bowling attack arrived late.
Hollman was yorked early on bringing Tempany to the crease. Tempany blasted 37 before following the norm for Pacific's Aussie contingent by failing to have a look at the loopy spinners who profilerate at Moor Mead and lobbed a catch to cover off the loopy spinner's first ball. Bastin gave catching practice to gully and Davies and Roberts hit big sixes only to fall shortly after. At 120/6 Pacific were wobbling.
Webley and Smith saved the innings with a superbly paced partnership. Jon's 113* was chanceless and included a six that dented a car. Smith provided great support in a century partnership that is the 3rd highest for the 7th wicket.
The Crossbats reply got off to a poor start as their reversing of the order resulted in two quick wickets. However, their third wicket partnership thrived after a controversial refusal of an appeal for a clear stumping. At 88/2 at drinks the match was wide open but after the eternally unlucky Smith (multiple lbw appeals turned down) was hit out of the attack Roberts took control. It was supreme display of wicket to wicket bowling by Roberts to claim the best figures of the season.
After Roberts wreaked devastation to leave Crossbats 140/8 Pacific eased off and concentration wavered including Gleadow missing four chances in the field.
MOM: Webley's 113* won the popular vote although this reporter felt Roberts 5-20 deserved it.
The XI are:- Chris Atkin*, Frank Baglivi, Rob Bastin, James Gleadow, Peter Hollman, Darryl Roberts, James Smith, Darren Tempany, Jon Webley, Jim Davies & Pete Alexander.12th Luke Hollman
