Pacific fell to a 67-run defeat to Chigwell at Highgate CC.

Pacificos had a quick net before the game, a statement of their intent to claim a victory against the Chigwellians, and a reflection of some rustiness.  Skipper Chasseaud inserted the opposition upon winning the toss, and the Pacific fielding display was generally excellent - honourable mentions for a super-tidy wicket-keeping display by Amandeep, on his first appearance behind the stumps since having his face rearranged, some excellent ground-fielding by Basi, and 3 catches by Epstein, rejecting the conventional hands-based catching technique.

Soden and Davis opened up and restricted the Chigwell run-rate admirably, Davis cleverly mixing up his pace, Soden nagging away on a length with the occasional effort ball.  Soden picked up the big wicket of Balakumar with a rank full toss, caught by Epstein at square leg in a belly fold off a forearm.

Ireland and Epstein replaced the openers, Ireland applying pressure with the skill and control of his seam and cutters, the erratic and expensive Epstein releasing said pressure at the other end.  Hannant was promoted to increase the Chigwell run-rate and clubbed a quick-fire 33 before falling to a good catch by Soden.  Stevenson batted beautifully for his century, solid in defence and piercing the field with increasing regularity as the innings progressed.

Chigwell declared on 248-7 after 45 overs, a tough ask for Pacific to chase, but possible on a decent wicket with some short boundaries.

In reply, Basi and Amandeep set a solid platform against some tight Chigwell bowling, Amandeep scoring mainly through mid-wicket, Basi lofting a lovely straight 6.  The chuntering Hannant grew increasingly grumpy as 2 catches were dropped off him.  Hutchinson eventually dismissed Basi, and then Chasseaud and Amandeep fell in identical fashion, playing for non-existent turn against the slow left-arm of Orange and playing on.  Chigwell were clearly delighted by the prize wicket of the usually insatiable Chasseuad, who had driven at a ball that drifted slightly into him and was probably too full.

When Deighan then fell in uncharacteristically ugly fashion, trying to put pressure on young Ismail-Ahlawalia, things looked bleak for Pacific.  Ireland joined Burnham at the crease as we entered the final 20 overs, with the required run rate at 8s.  After a couple of tight overs the RRR had gone up to 9s, and Epviz had the game at 73% Chigwell, 21% draw, 6% Pacific (note to self: probably best for morale not to tell your teammates they only have a 6% chance of winning the game).

Burnham and Ireland proceeded to make Epviz look silly, in a superb partnership of 65, bringing the RRR down to 7.5.  Burnham struck the ball beautifully, with some clean hitting down the ground.  The classical Ireland drove through extra cover and mid-off with aplomb, before eventually falling to Orange, caught at long-on by Hannant.  Heart-breakingly, Burnham was then run out on 49, as Mullens pushed for a quick single to extra cover to get the free-flowing Burnham back on strike.

Burnham's bat had barely landed before apologies were graciously proffered and accepted, but the unlikely chase had become impossible when Soden departed for 11.  Pacific battled for the draw but the obdurate Dinsey ran out of partners with 9 balls remaining, ex-Pacifico Allum picking up the final 2 wickets.

A good competitive game of cricket: the canny grizzled Chigwellians were the better smarter side and deserved their victory,  but Pacific will feel they could have held on for the draw.