Strongroom just sneak it!
Wray Crescent, 10/1/2011
Strongroom won by 1 wicket
Pacific: 172-5 [P.Hollman 75]
Strongroom: 173-9
View the Scorecard
Always a big game this one. And this was one no different!
Incredible weather! 26+ degrees...in October. Just brilliant.
Anyway, I lost the toss, and James Gleadow took a little while to decide to bat first, as he was mulling over his options for what was a weaker Pacific XI than usual. We started off with Zorain steaming down the slight slope, getting some horrible lift of just short of a length. Opener Peter Hollman [75] was struck a few times, but this only strengthened his resolve, and he very admirably battled through to make a fine contribution to his side’s total. Without him, Pacific may have struggled to mount a good score. He was well supported by Mohamed [29*], until he retired hurt with a recurring injury. Briley swished a quick 35, but the other batsmen struggled, but Pacific did well to post 172-5. Oliver Moore bowled nicely, in what may be his last Strongroom appearance. Myself, Proctor and Schneider also bowled well, and our fielding was pretty good throughout.
A really good tea this – plenty of variety, and some hot tea.
A curious innings for us, overall, as most of our batsmen got into double figures, but none really ‘went on’ to make a significant innings. The tall Alexander caused us some problems, bowling a very full length and making a mess of the stumps a few times. Dave Gower played our innings of the day [30], as he displayed deep reserves of grit and determination, intent as he, and indeed all of us were, to win the game. However, at 80-6 we seemed to be in trouble, but fortunately the tail wagged brilliantly, with the last four batsmen contributing 60 runs. At 144-9, again we were right up against it, but Ol Moore and Zorain played beautifully to put on 29* for the final wicket, and see us to victory in the final over, amidst much noise from our boundary-side supporters (well...us, plus Guy and his mate!). For Pacific, Luke Hollman bowled really well, as did Smith and Gleadow (as always).
Overall, whoever won this would have been a great game, and it was played in good spirits throughout. We were probably the stronger team on paper, but we made a meal of it, much to the credit of Pacific’s tenacity.
Written By: J.Gower
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