A game of inaugural achievements both personally and for club were the highlights of a well-fought game played out in the guise of a friendly at the beautiful setting of Wray Crescent.

Luke de Noronha [sic] took the armband for his first ever captaincy for PCC however he was unable to win the toss and PCC were sent into field.

Context is key, and on one of the UK’s (many) hottest days of the year, drenched in suncream, floppy hats and sunglasses, and in some cases thermal tops (Manav?), PCC started well, despite fielding a team with only 10 players.

After the first 2 overs, PCC racked up two quick wickets. In this author’s first glimpse of Alex Hunte in a match setting, his pace, line and length were too much for some and he quickly found himself starting his run-up for a hattrick ball! An initial yorker dismantled middle and off, before a classy cover drive found the fielder and the innings looked like Acton may not need 20 overs, let alone the 40!

Despite the early heroics, Acton settled into a rhythm and the runs started to flow. Some extremely classy cover drives and textbook shots from PCC’s number 2, a young female who eventually scored 81, were applauded by both Acton and PCC over the course of the next 20 overs.

Drinks breaks were taken every 10 overs, which allowed both teams to regroup, however a break-through proved tricky. Once Manav had got to grips with the pitch and a lack of 2 fielders, he found his rhythm and line and length and picked up a key wicket.

Satish also came on for a 4^th bowling change and a rank long hop managed to pick up a vital wicket thanks to sharp catch from Manav.

Again a batting display of the highest quality from Acton’s number 6 (who was batting at the equivalent of half his age), kept their total running high. He achieved his 100 at the exact moment Arsenal scored their 3^rd goal, which was a beautiful moment for him, and this Arsenal fan!

Eventually, in the 38^th over we managed to make the final breakthrough, however a score just shy of 300 seemed an unexpected and challenging total to chase down. Bowling spells which were inconsistent in the tough conditions, along with some excellent batting were the likely factors.

After a lengthy tea-break (mainly for those to go and purchase tea), PCC embarked on their chase. Simon (usually an opening bowler) was given an unlikely opportunity by his new skipper and duly delivered. The Acton opening bowlers offered too many gifts and after 10 overs PCC had amassed a partnership of 95 for no wicket, well above the rate. Despite not being given much of the strike, Luke managed some delightful boundaries, however, was caught playing an expansive shot off the expert bowling of Acton’s female seamer (who plays internationally).

Satish and Simon then formed a strong partnership and soon the score raced to over 200. After the 20^th over drinks break, Simon managed to secure his first ever hundred. This followed from his first ever 50 and has certainly given the PCC selectors some serious headaches!

Simon eventually fell on 108 after a tired looking shot was caught at cover, however Satish, (finishing unbeaten on 89*) was well set and had the poise and skill to see off the remaining 50 or so runs.

With help from Ricky Brown and Alex Hunte providing some much-needed support of the strike, PCC came home with 4 overs to spare. An exciting match with many highlights and great to see some PCC faithful in the bleachers to witness a positive end to the game.