After weeks of inclement weather, a pleasant spring afternoon greeted us as Pacific's 2024 season began with the traditional curtain-raiser of Seniors vs Juniors. Despite the promising forecast, the boggy ground underfoot was cause for concern but after being starved of cricket over the off-season, a 35-over match was agreed.

The Seniors, as is tradition, batted first with Riz & Ahmed opening up. Ahmed was expertly picking the gaps in the field with a few lofted drives before a mix-up with Riz meant that he was run out (this was after giving up halfway down the pitch in spite of the initial throw being wide of the stumps and being run out by Tom Gane backing up). Tristan, who started the day as a junior, came in at No. 3, and carried on where he left off last season with some fine drives and punches off the back foot. Riz, too, was looking assured. Murtaza managed to coax Tristan into a lofted drive which was taken at cover. Riz began to tee off retiring at 50. Maroof, one of Mutz's mates, came on and bowled some threatening off-spin which slowed the run rate down and managed to grab an important wicket of JD. Jack Mendel also managed to bowl in some good areas, picking up a wicket, but he could've had 2 more had catches been taken in the outfield. Runs were spread across the low order but thanks to some excellent death bowling from Ahmed & Murtaza, the Seniors were restricted to 195-8.

In response, Siddarth & Kaleem looked to get the Juniors off to a steady start but Siddarth was adjudged lbw by umpire Daniel Humphrey despite Sidd's unhappiness as he thought he had edged the ball - if you did, Sidd, I apologise! Maroof signalled his intentions immediately smashing his first ball over mid-on for four before edging his second between Riz & Mutz behind the stumps. A few overs later, Maroof nearly killed umpire Humphrey with a straight drive, with Humphrey determined to preserve both his life and the can he was holding. Kaleem then had an incredibly lucky stay at the crease being dropped 3 times after mistiming numerous shots which weren't accepted by the Seniors. Maroof also had a life when he was dropped in the deep and he was determined to show his skills, hitting shots to and over the boundary before retiring at 50. Kal, then, was finally dismissed, when he was stumped off the bowling of Zahid. Junior skipper Tommy G was joined by his Welsh mate, and absolute lad by the way, Gareth, with both lads running well between the wickets and looking solid in defence, whilst being calculated with their attacking strokeplay. There was still time for the seniors to drop a few more catches - some simpler than others. Tom & Gareth were determined to get to their target with Murtaza, in at 6, waiting eagerly for a bat. With 3.4 overs remaining, the winning runs were hit and the Juniors won by 8 wickets. There were some typically village moments which I'm sure will be on the internet over the coming days thanks to our resident content creator, Mutz.