Pacific headed to a lovely setting at Marble Hill Park (somehow still north of the river) to take on Crossbats. Those travelling by car were waylaid by the Twickenham traffic (congratulations to England Women's rugby team becoming World Cup winners) and the start was pushed to 12:45.

Pacific won the toss and elected to bowl on what turned out to be a faster outfield than it looked. We took to the field with our customary 10 players when Aakash is playing, as we waited on his arrival. 

Crossbats captain had said they had a mixed bag of players and this showed in their top order. Noor and Hishaam opened up and Crossbats opener Shumail looked to be the danger man striking some early boundaries. Noor then found the right length to him and he chipped the ball to mid-on where Prasham took a sharp catch and the tails were up with their danger man gone. Saad replaced Hishaam early and got the ball talking. Getting plenty of movement, he was miserly with his bowling and picked up the wicket fof their no.3. From the other end Jack Mendel replaced Noor and bowled an excellent spell getting some grip and keeping the batters guessing. Prasham then took what is probably the catch of the season off Jack's bowling at square leg, scrambling to his right and full legth snatching the ball milimetres off the ground. 

Crossbats went into drinks at 71-3 and were struggling to get the scoreboard ticking over. After drinks Pacific continued to take wickets at regular intervals. Hishaam picked up 2 and Riz got in the act as well. Crossbats no.7 Mahi provided some resistance with a bit of counter attacking but he fell to Aakash and was caught at mid-off. Noor came back on at the end picked up the last two wickets as Crossbats were bowled out off the last ball of the innings for 180. 

Credit to Pacific who fielded well and mostly caught their catches (Riz!!!???) and a some very diligent bowling. 

The teams agreed a quick turnaround due to the light, although it turned out that was not something Pacific needed to concern themselves with. Prash and Seb opened up and Seb was immediately into his work looking in good form. Prash scooped one up to fine leg and Seb was joined by Dan at the crease. This partnership sealed the game for Pacific. Both players looked at absolute ease against a largely unthreatening bowling attack. Continuing to tick the runs over without any trouble. A wonderful 120 run partnership was broken when Seb chopped on for 60 but the game was over at the point. Rowan, having staved off the pad rash for for 25 overs finally had his moment to get into the game but succombing to his "10 ball rule" then popped one back to the bowler. Aakash joined Dan for the final flurry bombing boundaries. Dan finished 65* to see us home in a resounding victory. 

A strong win on the eve of October. And I'd like to thank those who made the long journey to play the game. Not the easiest to get to but a lovely oppo and a reasonably priced pint at The Rising Sun. 

Bring on the October cricket!