The Junior XI triumphed in the traditional season opener - with the winning boundary struck in the gathering gloom with just one over to go.
The Seniors innings had been rescued by a blistering innings of 92 not out from Lucius Faisal - with sixes sailing into neighbouring gardens at regular intervals - 9 in total! His efforts - along with a much more sedate 45 from wizzened old pro Pete Hollman - revived the flagging innings - after impressinve early spells from Aussie Martin Cowling and leftie Olli Haill causing chaos at the top of the Seniors order.
Reduced to 55-4 - thanks also to good support spells from Seb Jennings, Kurt Rademaker and Braden Grigg - the veterans were grateful for West Indian Faisal's calypso innings. Some of the sixes were huge - and a few of the later bowlers suffered as a result. A 56 ball 92 contrasted with old pro Hollman's 123 ball 45 - although the old timer's efforts early on were invaluable. He did confirm that he was trying to slog as the innings progressed - the mind was willing but the flesh was weak it would seem.
In response - a slimmed down Joe Phelan showed his continued liking for Pacific bowlers - particularly a wayward Faisal - hitting a classy 87. This despite a fine spell from veteran seamer Darryl Roberts - who enjoyed no luck with the ball until picking up a late wicket in his second spell.
Rob Allum's 2-27 meant a late flurry of wickets might derail the Juniors seemingly straight forward chase. In gathering gloom - Kurt Rademaker added to his good spell with the ball by clattering a quickfire 25 - while Ted Szuman batted sensibly at the other end.
The Seniors final chance came when Aussie Martin Cowling skied a chance straight to skipper Steve Lay at mid-on. However in the poor light - the old timer's eyesight obviously let him down - as the ball was allowed to land untouched between his feet. The next ball was smashed for 4 and the game was up!
"There were some good debuts from Braden, Mark and Keiran - and some other fairly new faces also did well - which is encouraging for the team. It was great to see Lucius, Joe and Pete in such great form with the bat - and most of the bowlers did well." said seniors skipper Steve Lay later.
