Pacific CC returned to a familiar ground at Highgate CC to face the UCS Old Boys in a cup game. Overnight there had been thunderstorms and heavy rain so it was a relief to get a game at all. There was heavy cloud cover but with the weather set to clear up, Pacific chose bat.
The pitch was relatively well behaved considering the rain – Pacific got off to a good start of 44-1 with Lakhani and Chasseaud playing some nice shots in front of the wicket before Lakhani fell, caught at gully, to a wider outswinger. Chasseaud anchored the innings superbly with a well-constructed 63 off 99 balls as wickets fell around him. Sharma fell for 14, LBW to Orford – who had bowling with great control and getting consistent inswing. Ireland, also guilty, along with Sharma and Lakhani, of getting a start and not pushing on to make a bigger score, came and went after a fluent 21 at a run-a-ball rate including some lovely drives.
Orford was into his 14th over at this point and had a knack of taking a wicket every time the captain though of taking him off and finished with 19 – 4- 88. Mullens and Chasseaud fell in quick succession, both caught off the bowling of Orford. Stockton batted with typical aggression and got off the mark with a crunching drive which was followed soon after by a towering six off Orford straight over his head and into the sight screen. He had raced to 37 runs before losing his middle stump to a ball that kept low. Unfortunately for Pacific, we collapsed at this point with the score moving from 177-5 to 183 all out.
Opening batsmen Virk and D Diliteo came out with positive intent and were 15-0 off two overs before Stockton got one to swing in and bowl Virk. Stockton bowled with aggression and swung the ball into the right hander with pace and precision. He was well rewarded for his efforts again when children's author Joe Craig fell for a fast paced 20 runs. This time Stockton had the batsman caught at gully by Soden – who had a tough time with the ball on this occasion.
On came Ireland into the attack to accompany Stockton at the other end; starting a spell which eventually ended with 21 – 2- 40. Ireland bowled a consistent line and length and was difficult to score from throughout, perfectly demonstrated by his first 15 overs which went for 24 runs. D Diliteo and H Diliteo put on a partnership of 88 runs before Ireland struck – LBW. Klinger was out in similar fashion a couple of overs later also to Ireland. The pressure had gotten to D Diliteo, who sensed a collapse was happening, taking a poorly judged single on 49 and getting run out but some excellent fielding. Timbadia was contributing with an excellent, fiery spell of fast bowling at this point and was rewarded with the wicket of Maurya LBW for 3. UCS has fallen from 123-2 to 126-6….
Captain Chapman and Frugnet got together in the fading light and put on an excellent match winning stand of 60 to see UCS home. Both batsmen took their time and milked the bowling with the asking rate below 4 runs per over. UCS got home with an over to spare and deserved the victory on the day! Pacific will be looking to reclaim the cup next year.
Pacific Man of the Match (Jay's choice): Tom Ireland for 21 runs and 21-2-40
JL
