An almost perfect performance from Pacific crushed the Martians by 7 wickets. The fixtures sec sent the team to the wrong pitch and then skipper Roy lost the toss and Pacific were made to field. Gleadow, who got the only wicket of the match, and Morahan bowled very tightly to keep the Martians to 42/1 off 8 overs. The Martians never really seemed to realise the imperative need to hit out (Gavaskar in the 1970 sprang to mind). Allum and Hess kept the pressure up to limit the oppo to 99/1.
The run chase was accomplished with ease. Kularatne was dropped on 0 but then speedily put Pacific in control and hit a couple of superb pulled sixes before compulsory retirement. Bastin was less fluent but ran well and Pacific cruised home. All that was left to do was discuss reigning fielder of the season Webley's ground fielding or lack of in the pub.
pitch 3 VIII:-
