Pacific headed south to take on Lessa Wanderers seeking to rectify a 10-year streak without a win. On a dry, dusty, sandy wicket more associated with Indian conditions Atkin won the toss and had no hesitation batting first.
Openers Mohamed and Hollman gave Pacific a strong start on a dodgy wicket, scoring with little risk and using the immense slope of the ground to their advantage. Just as the partnership was gaining momentum Mohamed missed a full toss to be bowled by Baxter, who was doing an impressive job toiling up the hill. Hollman was bowled shortly after Mohamed, however both openers gave Pacific a very solid platform to build on. Webley and Rademaker put together a fine 65 run partnership scoring at a run a ball which had Pacific viewing 250+, however Lessa fought back well. Rademaker damaged a hamstring diving for a second run after Webley called him through for a questionable second which slowed him down, then Webley was bowled soon after. Whether it was lack of volunteers or punishment for making Kurt dive for a desperate run, Webley got the job as Kurt’s runner for the remainder of the innings.
At 3-111 the stage was set for the dangerous Tempany and the middle order to capitalise on the start, but Pacific fell away as Lessa wrestled back the initiative. Tempany and Bastin picked out the best fielder on the boundary in quick succession, then when Atkin played on it was left to the brave Rademaker and in-form Smith to bat out the overs and take Pacific to a healthy total, and both did just that. Rademaker played a match winning innings hobbling on one leg and in obvious pain, but managing to find the boundary regularly. Smith built on the previous days batting finishing with a quick fire 21 n.o. Pacific was confident with 204 on the board on a dry, turning deck, but still wary after 10 years of defeat.
Lessa threw everything at Pacific from the start. Gleadow’s first over was unusually expensive compared to his normal standards, but he did pick up a wicket. Roberts struggled up the hill as he was targeted Richards and proved to be expensive, however had the last laugh as he removed the dangerous opener who was smartly caught by Bastin. Lessa were scoring very quickly, however wickets were coming regularly to keep Pacific slightly ahead. Gleadow continued his good form picking up another wicket and finding his line and length to restrict the run flow. Atkin brought Pacific’s own British/Indian spinner Aroon on, and he did not disappoint in conditions that could not have suited him more. Aroon looked extremely dangerous and bowled with great consistency, and when he picked up two Pacific were in command with Lessa 5-73.
When Pacific are playing or look to be in control there is always a twist, and this game was no different. Pacific gave away the initiative but credit also has to go to Lessa, as middle order bats Wahid and Clarke put together a very good partnership. Runs were scoring freely again, Pacific looked despondent, and suddenly the equation for a win looked within Lessa’s reach. Atkin came on to toil up the hill, but kept pressure on and kept it tight. Roberts’ change of ends for his second spell was exactly what was needed, as he claimed 2 wickets in 2 balls to cap off an impressive day with the ball and put the result beyond question. Atkin finished the inevitable by claiming a wicket and running out the last batsman, as they mistakenly decided to take two on a misfield.
The victory was sweet for Pacific after years of pain. Rademaker’s brave innings was key with some good support, then the bowling of Roberts, Gleadow and Aroon saw the victory home.
After the game Atkin was very pleased with the win, but also looking to improve and threw the challenge out to the team:
“It was a great win. Kurt’s batting was sensational but he was well supported, Rob’s keeping was first-class and our bowlers did the job. We’re winning while not playing at our best which is a great sign. If our middle order finds form and if we concentrate for 40 overs in the field there is no reason why we can’t win most or even every game we playâ€.
Final XI: Chris (c), Darren Tempany (vc), Pete H, Rob Bastin (wk), Lahrie, Jon W, Kurt Rademaker, James Smith, Darryl Roberts, Aroon, James Gleadow.
