Phoenix pka Newham have never lost to Pacific in now 6 attempts. The odds stacked higher in the breaking of this run when the toss was forfeited - to help ensure a delayed start - & Pacific were 1 eligable player short.
With the world cup "attraction " of England v Trinidad, the othe 2 matches were off which saw this game switched to the more compact pitch 2. The Captain's comments that we should stick to pitch 3 as we were the fitter side & could cope with those huge boundaries did raise a wry smile as half our team including yours truly moved like we had our feet buried deep in treacle. Yet we did our best .
156 runs although useful was not deemed unattainable especially when at the half way mark Pacific were 88-2 but that was as good as it got once the spirited partnership of Chandler & Allum was broken. The latter found no other suitable partners & remained not out when James Gleadow was run out with 5.1 overs remaining. Ali was pick of the bowlers & also Number 1 in the needlessly over the top in your face wicket celebrators.
Another 1st round exit for Pacific who have failed to rekindle past cup glories & more worringly this season is giving all those involved in 2005 a serious case of deju vu.
VIII:- Conrad Chandler*, Paul Charles, Peter Hollman, Rob Allum, James Gleadow, Chris Atkin, Alex McKillop+. & (Brad Mears)
