Skipper Steve Lay inserted Locksbottom on a damp wicket. Unfortunately Toby was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the northern approach to the Blackwall Tunnel and only arrived 20 overs in, whereupon he relieved reluctant wicketkeeper Sheldon of the gloves. Stacey never appeared (reward to be offered). Locksbottom kindly lent us a fielder and their innings was as close as I have seen to having two different games happening simultaneously. From the top end Nuggsy, John Hill and Sheldon were near unplayable at times. At the other - hindered by going uphill and the very short boundaries behind them and on the off side - a collection of various bowlers were dispatched with an increasing lack of mercy. The catching was poor again with the noble exception of Thornton.
Tea was super.
Pacific's reply was unlikely to achieve its nominal target. Toby batted with great elegance as usual to make 74 but the top order was tied down by fine Locksbottom seam bowling. Sheldon took 14 balls to get off the mark but hit some tremendous blows to get 52. Nuggsy free wheeled against the "fifth" bowlers towards the end to help ensure respectability.
A fine day was rounded off in the pub with the oppo and a splurge on raffle tickets hoping for a new bat. Our oppo were very friendly, amiable hosts if a little ruthless on the field.
