This game was an enthralling contest that narrowly went Strongroom's way. However, there had been a rather frustating beginning when Glendale failed to turn up to open the changing rooms at Wray Crescent until 1.40 when it was supposed to be a 1pm start (although that gave the latecomers on both sides time to get there - Rees, Faisal and Smith on our side).Â
 The game was reduced to 35 overs aside, Webley lost the toss, we only had nine players (Rademaker flu, Seaton work) and we were made to field. Gleadow (2-21)  and Rees (2-8) tore the Strongroom top order to pieces leaving them 27-4 and the skipper was heard to remark that he did not want the opposition swept away too early.Â
He need not have feared as Gower (77*) batted very well and the Pacific fielding went to pieces as we dropped four catches (three off four balls from James Smith) and missed a simple run out chance. Webley rotated the bowlers so that only keeper Bastin missed out and everyone bowled well. Faisal unfortunately turned his ankle over whilst bowling well in his second over and was left limping for the rest of the game. Strongroom's middle order batting took them to 185/5 at the end of their innings.
Tea was good for once as everyone brought food.
Pacific were given a solid start to their chase by the hobbling Faisal (12 off 40 balls) and Vanderpump as they were 27/0 off 10 overs. Faisal departed to a debatable catch (was it a bump ball?). Webley and Vanderpump then took command and flew along during a partnership of 70 that left victory looking easy.
However, Webley played over the top of a donkey drop when on 37 (off 31 balls), Rees ran himself out for 10 and Bastin dragged on first ball to leave us 118/4. Vanderpump (upright, powerful and driving beautifully) and Korgaonkar (nurdling away) looked to be easing us to victory in a partnership of 40.Â
The gloom was deepening however and Strongroom took an age to bowl their overs. Korgaonkar, Vanderpump (79 off 90 balls), Smith all departed but the required rate was always beneath six an over. The rehabilitating Rajaraman was called from the sidelines and found himself batting with Robson needing 17 off 3 overs with two wickets left. Two fours in the next over made it look simple but Rajaraman failed to keep the strike and Robson could not put bat on ball in the gloom through the next two overs and we fell one short.
It was an exciting match that Pacific could have won with better discipline in the field and better light whilst batting at the end. The new Wray Crescent pitch played very well for the most part but the outfield was a state with the grass way too long.
XI :- Aroon Korgaonkar, James Smith (if required), Tim Vanderpump (if place not available for Sunday), James Gleadow, Jon Webley*, John Robson , Rob Bastin+, Kurt Rademaker, Lucius Faisal, Morris Seaton & Shayne Rees
Please remember to bring a tea for 2 incl cakes & sanrnies. The skipper will bring squash & drinks & scorebook. Kit w/KR
