Pacific had high expectations after previous success and with a strong XI on the park, however only one side turned up to play as Pacific were demoralised by a stronger than usual Strongroom XI.
The day started badly with two fours off the first few balls from Tempany’s first over, and it didn’t improve as all bowlers strayed too often and were punished by an aggressive and unforgiving batting line-up that took its chances. As Strongroom played aggressively chances were given but not taken as Pacific were sloppy and lacklustre in the field, which was not helped by skipper Atkin who dropped two key catches off the number 3 who went on to score 92. Strongroom looked on target to post well over 300, but 4 wickets from Atkin and a late run out amid controversy halted the charge and kept Strongroom to 287.
With a strong batting line-up and confidence from posting some large totals against strong opposition during the year Pacific had some hope, but a disciplined team batting effort would be needed. Chasseaud and Hollman kept the hope alive with a fairly brisk 60 run opening partnership that was built on quick singles and smart running, but after the dismissal of Chasseaud and the first ball duck of Webley the innings slowed down rapidly and lost momentum. Roy went early and when Tempany smashed a Tempany special back down the wicket that was plucked from the air with one hand, Strongroom were well on their way. Pacific were given a lesson by Strongroom, who bowled a disciplined line and length at decent pace and showed great energy and skill in the field.
A 149 run margin was fair given how Pacific and Strongroom played, in what was possibly the worst performance of the year.
The team is:
Chris Atkin*, Darren Tempany, James Gleadow, Peter Hollman, Jon Webley, Naveej Vinod, Joe Bennett, James Smith, Toby Chasseaud, Lucius Faisal, Justin Roy.
