Pacific came up marginally short in the league against Fives yesterday in a match remarkably similar to the first a couple of weeks ago. Batting first in sweltering conditions Pacific reached 1457 off their 45 overs, with Fives bowling once again as accurately as an exit poll. Stockton's 48 and Soden's 25 underpinned the effort. In reply, Fives swished hard early, preferring boundaries to quick singles. Stockton used the unpredictable bounce to pick up 3 wickets. Leggies Howes and Hussain, brought on too late, caused all sorts of problems, taking a wicket apiece, and George Moses bowled some heavy ball bouncers, one gloved to a diving Sumeet. Fives got over the line, leaving us rueing the loss but having enjoyed the match day.

Thanks to all, who played, especially Aroon Korgoaonkar, who played despite carrying an injury, employing the pain rather than the long barrier on occasion. He also pouched a sweet catch at slip, staying low, with all the noncahalance of Freddie Flintoff in his prime.