On a lovely Tuesday evening the two teams congregated for this top division clash. Proceedings got off to a slow start as skipper Rees was ticked off by the oppo for being late for the toss, then confusion reigned as to which pitch the game was supposed to be played on and then a last minute realisation that there were 9 players present (Chairman Gleadow voluntarily stepping aside and scoring).
Pacific were made to field first on a huge outfield and were fearing another 200+ total. However, Roberts and Rees produced good opening spells to leave Goodmayes 68/2 off 8 overs. Their number 3 struck a huge six down the ground of Rees but Roberts cleaned him up shortly after. Change bowlers were Faisal and Alexander. Faisal bowled with his usual economy and Alexander took 4-33 in a great spell. Debutant Sutcliffe held a very high skier off Faisal's bowling.
The Pacific reply was dominated by an opening stand of 112. Roy led the way with some great shots through the off side before retiring on 51*. Sutcliffe who had ticked along in support then stepped up with some very purposeful running and some lovely flicks off the legs before falling for 40. Rees did his best to make it a close finish with 0* off 6 balls but Webley. 20*, took Pacific home with 9 balls to spare.
A fantastic victory and a lovely evening was rounded off by a visit to a very busy and slow serving pub.
VIII:- Shayne Rees*, Lucius Faisal, Robin Sutcliffe , Jon Webley, Darryl Roberts, Steve Emmins+, Pete Alexander & Justin Roy. 12th James Gleadow
