https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMYq4PkhJ/
21 players arrived at an incredibly boggy Wray Crescent for the season's curtain-raiser (after last week's abandoned fixture). The traditional Seniors vs Juniors fixture kicked off Pacific's 40th season with the Seniors batting first.
Jahangir was bang on the money picking up two early wickets, one caught by makeshift keeper Ramiz who did an excellent job, whilst Harry, after requiring an over to settle down, found his rhythm and a nagging length. JD, now a senior, steadied the ship with Alex showcasing some confident, aggressive shots particularly down the ground. Avinash and Tom limited the scoring rate. Ramana, in his first game, wearing navy trackies - there's always one - was asked to bowl and got one to bounce and take the edge of Alex's bat and was taken by fellow debutant, Rohan, at gully.
In came Faisal at No. 5 - an old teammate of Mutz's from a long time ago - and played some stylish drives. He too was undone by Ramana's pace and skill which brought in Senior captain Riz. Riz after taking a whopping 6 balls to get off the mark, began unleashing some powerful shots. He particularly took a liking to the spin of Jack Mendel, Mohan and Rohan, overtaking JD in reaching his 50 first before JD followed suit in a supporting role. Riz even managed to hit a window of a nearby house, thankfully not breaking a window. With Riz approaching his 100 but time running out, he hit one down the ground to Daniel, his opposite number, who threw the ball to second makeshift keeper Tom to whip the bails off leaving Riz stranded on 94. JD finished on 69 not out - a very well-composed innings, which saw the Seniors get to 219.
Ramiz and Rohan opened the batting and managed to see off the dangerous opening bowlers of MaccyG and Amit who were landing the balls in good areas and beating the edge of the bat but with little reward. Ramiz planted a massive six (see video above) to break the shackles. Rohan was watchful before starting to unleash some nice drives. Just like in the Seniors innings, the pace off the ball saw the run rate improve, with Ramiz and Rohan beginning to find the boundary and managing to run very well between the wickets. Rohan was eventually trapped in front by Alex, who was bowling very well, bringing in Mohan, who survived a close shout first ball.
After that, he began to look assurred and fluent hitting the ball to and over the boundary whilst Ramiz reached 50. Faisal came on to bowl and landed the ball in some good areas, coaxing Ramiz into a big hit which he dragged on to his stumps for a well-made 63. Daniel came in to some chirping but looked to support Mohan, who also passed 50. In need of wickets, Riz brought himself on in a battle of the captains. Mohan and Daniel rotated the strike regularly with quick running being essential with the ball plugging on the pudding of an outfield. MaccyG and Amit, the two strike bowlers, came back looking to break the partnership but the two batters took the game to the last over with 5 needed to win. Mohan hit the winning runs of the penultimate ball of the innings with a crunching shot down the ground giving the Juniors an 8-wicket win.
The game was played in great spirits and every player on both sides contributed to what was ultimately an enjoyable occasion. Pacific's 40th anniversary has gotten off to a great start and we look forward to upcoming friendly and league fixtures over the coming weeks.
