Pacific MMi Marlins Win 'Don't Drink and Drive' Legends Bash
In one of the most exciting finishes at Amini Park since the introduction of Turf Wickets, the Pacific MMI Marlins secured a six from the last ball to take out the Pacific MMI Motor Vehicles Insurance Ltd 'Don't Drink and Drive' Legends Bash on Sunday afternoon.
In a script fit for a Hollywood blockbuster a huge crowd at Amini Park were witness to an ever-changing battle between two strong teams in a constant struggle for dominance and eventual victory.
The presence of (8) former Australian, and International cricket Legends, Brad Hogg, Andy Bichel, Craig Mc Dermott, Greg Campbell and former England Captain Adam Holioke brought the crowd to the edge of their seat but the highest acclaim was due to the local players who starred in their esteemed company.
It was a match of the Captain's with Jacob Mado winning the toss for the UMW Saints and electing to bat. His team struggled at various times through out the innings and it required Jacob batting at number 10 to enter the fray and secure for the side a defendable total. Jacob starred in this role hitting 5 massive shots straight over the boundary and occasionally out of Amini Park itself to finish not out with 30 from 5 balls and leave the Marlins requiring 160 runs to win
In reply the Pacific MMI side looked at times patchy and at times sublime, but it was Captain Chris Amini, ably assisted by Legend Brad Hogg who secured an outstanding victory. The UMW Saints side featuring international legends and bowlers Andy Bichel, Adam Holioake and Greg Rowell kept the run rate down and made the chase almost a fantasy but they continually failed to trouble the venerable Amini. Chris came in to the innings after a first ball run out of opener Tony Ali and continued to bat throughout the innings.
In the fairytale finish the Pacific MMI Marlins required 6 runs off the final 6 balls. These balls were delivered by Saints Captain Jacob Mado to Marlins Captain Chris Amini. With two balls to go the scores tied.
As the crowd rose to their feet to witness a moment in cricket history at Amini Park, Mado steamed in and delivered a ball on a good length which somehow, miraculously, Chris Amini dispatched with a sweet shot straight over Mado?s head for six. Chris ended up with 84 not out which was the weekend's best score.
The Pacific MMI Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited 'Don't Drink and Drive' Legends Bash Championship was won by the Pacific MMI Marlins through their captain's bravery and skill.
Commentary for the EMTV LIVE coverage was provided by former Australian greats Greg Ritchie and Steve Rixon.
Best with the bat for the Pacific MMI Marlins was Captain Chris Amini 84 not out, Brad Hoff 70 and Kali Ilamavu 21.
Best with the ball for the Marlins were Kabua Vagi Morea 2 wickets for 16 off 2 overs, Allan Joseph 2 wickets for 17 off 1 over, Brad Hogg, 2 wicket for 17 off 4 overs.
Best with the bat for the UMW Saints were Jacob Mado who top scored for them with 30, Gavera Mea with 22 and Andy Bichel 21.
Best with the ball for the Saints were Andy Bichel 1 wicket for 28 off 4 overs, Jacob Mado 1 wicket for 27 off 4 overs and Ao Mea also with a wicket.
