A sunny but footballer laden Wray greeted the teams.  After a week of negotiations with the Council and traumas finding a ptich and players it was a relief that the keystone Parks Police finally negotiated for the footballers to leave at 1.30 (a delay of an hour) and play could begin in a 30 over aside contest.

Pacific won the toss and on general advice batted first.  Unfortunately only Soumik, with his usual class through the point / gully area, made a score of any substance as accurate bowling tied us down.  Skipper Nuggsy and Satish ensured the innings reached a modicum of respectability although Satish's demise run out was an unnecessary own goal (this author will try to claim fault was 50/50) just as he had his eye in.

Black Rose's big hitters were unlikely to be stretched by the total particularly given we had nine fielders (including an injured Ahmed who battled his condition unlike some no shows).  Satish bowled well but there were too many gaps for the ball too loop into.  Nuggsy's first ball disappeared into the trees but after that his accuracy tied one end down.  Mike replaced Satish at the playground end and bowled well, if noisily, and thoroughly deserved his wicket.  Tony induced a bat to lob one to point but that merely brought Andre to the crease and despite the field scattering to the boundary edge promptly smashed his first two balls over cow.  Andre's power has always troubled us and today was no exception as his cameo sealed the game for BR.  Pete was the cavalry and arrived in time to field for the last few overs.  Forced to bowl what was likely to the last over he snared Andre first ball to earn the bragging rights at North Mid.

It was a nice day and Black Rose played the game in a very fine spirit.  However, there was always a sense that it was asking a bit much for this brave 9 and a half to overcome Black Rose's hitting power.  A review of footballer usage of Wray is much needed.