It was good to get out onto a pitch in the sun again but sadly this was deja vu to all who had played at Fulmer. A useful total was posted around another Jon Webley half century despite the evidence of a couple of long nights. There were also useful contributions from Peter Hollman, Chris Atkin & James Smith & with 4 wickets in hand there was a case that the total could & should have been higher - nevertheless when the time came to take the field the skipper's drop at mid on when Noz Shofiq drilled it flat at him when on 10, was the key point.
Shofiq went on to play an aggresive match winning knock of 72 before Oli Haill took a stunning forward diving catch at long on off James Smith. Oli was all round stunning in the field but was 1 of the 7 bowlers Jon used who were unable to put a full brake on the scoring despite bowling 2 of the 3 maidens & picking up a wicket himself.
With a run rate requirement of under 5 only the resplendent James Smith came close to stifling the runs not to mention a catch & a run out although Pacific did have many bright momemts namely Chris Atkin's 2 wickets & a maiden wicket for Peter Henry on debut who showed real promise.
Once Shofiq was dismissed first Syed & then Richard Bielby played the shots that Pacific had hoped the tail wouldn't have but Hail's come back over wasn't what Webley hoped for & the score was overtaken with an over to spare & 3 wickets in hand.
On another day some of those top edges would have gone to hand, 1 or 2 earlier chances would have stuck & an LBW appeal or 2 uphold but overall, & it was a shame to lose the honour but Graces had stuck at their task well & just about deserved their win.
XI: Matt Callender, Oli Haill, Matt Holliday+, Pete Hollman, Steve Lay, James Smith, Jon Webley*, Jon Brown, Peter Henry, Chris Atkin & Ben Haley. 12th Man - Darren Tempany & Steve Emmins
