James Gleadow was the ultimate cricket stalwart. A fine bowler and even better gent, he would play hundreds of matches for Pacific alongside representing Old Citizens as part of their alumni. Sadly taken from us too soon, our clubs rightly pay our respects for him once a season. This year has been very tricky to get numbers together but by hook and by crook and with much thanks to Jack Mendel for ensuring that both sides could field ten a side, we were able to get a game going at the picturesque Metropolitcan Ground in Bushey. Two long time Pacificos would represent Old Citizens in Soden and Korgaonkar, the latter having put too much trust in public transport and having to negotiate the wilds of Wembley, to finally make it to Bushey not before a couple of detours and finally getting a cab to arrive one hour late. The rather pleasant Met Police sports ground would see Pacific bowl first and restrict and reduce Old Citizens to 72-4. Soden would play a rescue act to fall agonisingly short of a 50 with 49*. Asif would score a quick fire 25 to raise the home team to 147 on a tricky pitch. Lokesh snared three wickets with some fine pace bowling; Kaleem deputising behind the stumps after Mutz's midweek injury (get well soon, Mutz!) took three fine catches too and Pacific were agile and alert in the field which was great to see.

Asif would quickly show how awkward the pitch was by bowling a controlled spell hitting a good length taking three wickets. He would be well supported along the way but Dan Humphrey got himself in and despite taking a couple of blows along the way - one on the grille when a full ball reared up - seemed to have the measure of the conditions. He made his way to 60. However, after putting a full toss from Sanket away with unorthodox finesse he would play on to the leg spinner. Opportunities remained for Lokesh to see PCC home but wickets fell at the other end and Gareth Vincent would hobble out as last man having injured his calf bowling. Lokesh would depart as the last wicket and Old Citizens would triumph by 20 runs. It was all agreed that perhaps older stalwarts of the club should make an effort to turn out in future years to make this game viable. We owe it to the memory of Nuggsy to do so.