Ray sinks Pacific in devestating spell
Highgate Woods, 5/13/2006
Strongroom won by 5 wickets
Pacific: 103 all out (S.Ray 5-6)
Strongroom: 106-5
View the Scorecard
Still, cloudy conditions enveloped the ground in a sticky embrace, and Pacific opted to bat first on a firm, straw-coloured track. However, this would prove to be another fickle Highgate surface, and the ball struggled to rise above stump level for much of the day.
Bully and Morris shared the new ball, and though neither threatened the Pacific openers, they did restrict them effectively. Pacific eventually got to grips with their timing, just as a double-bowling change brought in S.Ray and J.Gower. A couple of crisp boundaries raised their 50 opening partnership in the 12th over, but thereupon followed an incredible batting collapse which witnessed 8 wickets fall for a mere 4 runs! J.Gower (3-15) offered some tasty swing bowling, whereas Ray (5-6) masterminded the debacle with some devestating pace, fired in on a full length. This is Simon Ray at the peak of his powers; indeed, four of his five victims had their stumps shattered by his explosive pace. This extraction of life out of a dead track was reminiscent of Michael Holding at the Oval in '76!
Pacific stumbled from 52-0 to 56-8, but did well to post a final total of 103 all out. Proctor, Mellor, Boote and Shearer were all given decent spells, yet Strongroom knew all too well that a modest total at the Woods can be the hardest to chase.
Tea Rating: 8/10. Simon Ray produced a fine, traditional tea. There was something for everyone, including some memorable Ham & Mustard sandwiches, mini-scotch eggs and even a perky pork pie to settle the batsmen’s nerves.
The sun made a welcome appearance before the Strongroom innings, helping to dry out the crust topping the wicket. Shearer (18) and Englefield (8) set out to plan the run-chase, and got Strongroom off to a steady start, before both were dismissed by Rees. J.Gower (18) and J.Morris (19) both looked in good touch, as did Guy (16) who again slapped some hearty boundaries. It was left to Proctor (14*) to smash some characteristic boundaries to finally bring Strongroom victory in the 23rd over. Pacific bowled with good spirit, and there were numerous lbw shouts and decisions which brought some confusion to both sides, but it was Ray’s bowling that was the difference between these two teams on the day.
>> Read the Pacific Report.
Written By: J.Gower
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