DOMINANT FIELDS SAIL PAST PACIFIC TO TITLE

After a disappointing July where we were let down by opposition and weather, we were still in a position where a win against Pacific would guarantee the Division 2 title. With a closely mowed outfield and glorious evening sunshine we were sure we could overturn last years defeat against our opponents, even after we (once again) lost the toss.

Ty and John opened the bowling with massively contrasting styles; Ty mesmerising the Pacific openers with a mix of wayward pace and unplayable swinging deliveries, John offering good old fashioned line and length. Pacific had little in reply and were barely into their 30’s after 6 overs. After a brief change of ends, bringing a wicket maiden, Ty finished his 4 overs with an excellent 2 for 20.

Robin and Dave ‘Taz’ Miller took control from here, initially baffling the opposition (Robin picking up 2 key partnership breaking wickets), until Taz had a go at Alex Le Mays bowling achievements from a month back. Despite managing to go for 22 off his 3^rd over he could only manage falling 2 runs short of Le Mays generous record, going for 41 from 3 – there’s always next season!

Chris and John finished the bowling off, John continuing his niggling medium pace and Chris bowling terribly, picking up a flattering 1 for 11 from his 2 overs (thanks to some sharp keeping from Jason).

With the heady scent of victory inflaming our nostrils, a strong start was needed if we were going to chase down the target of 126. The early loss of Ruby did little to slow down Lordy who opened his innings with fours to all corners of the ground. Joining him, John also played some cracking aggressive strokes and when he fell for 15 we were already ahead of the required run rate.

Excellent tip and run play dominated the middle of the innings, as Rachmaninov lover Alex and Lordy milked the Pacific bowlers like buxom Manatee’s. The two departed in close succession however, Alex for 12 and Jason for what was to be a match winning 50 – not only did he have the pleasure of retiring, but we could call on him again should the run chase get sticky.

Not to be slowed down, Taz (23no) embarked on some massive leg side hitting against the Pacific spinners, and he and Chris saw Fields over the line with 2 overs to spare.

A comfortable victory in a match that we never looked like losing. We fielded superbly (John Avery taking a superb running catch), bowled aggressive lines and batted with supreme confidence. Apparently we even get a trophy!!

(Scorecard below)