We were desperately unlucky last year finishing a clear second at the end of regulation matches but were beaten in the last over of the day in the semi-final by a charged up Maharajahs who made their best run chase for the year when it counted. Season 2005 should see the pride of Shanghai's Eastern suburbs back fighting at the top of the table. Some great late season recruiting last year added a bit of class and genuine pace with Sir Alex from Somerset and the Kruse missile (cowboy Kym) providing some additional weapons to the potent force of 'Ningbo' Bird. With the back-up team of Trevor (metronomic consistency only comparable to McGrath), evergreen Pat, Hurricane Harvey, PDCC's last seasons leading wicket taker Steve and the bamboozling Spin-Doctor Rob. With 2 father son combo's (Paul and Nipper Golesworthy and Rob and Gordon Duggan PDCC is benefiting strongly from the 'father-son rule' established by the league's founders. With plenty of batting in the line-up from whirlwind Dave Kagi (last seasons league leading strike rate of 169), openers Mark 'the fine master' Bernhard and Steve plus the powerful middle order of Jason, Boylie and Alex its hard to look past Pudong when making the betting table for this seasons premiers. Throw in 2 of South Asia's finest in Robin and Milind and 2005's draft priority picks 'Jim' and Richard and I know where my money's placed.

For the social team, Pudong is equally strong and proud and this year will see Ainsley captain the social team with support from Colin and Pat. We have recruited strongly from the 'Pearls' with four great ladies, May Xin, Claire Li, Della Chen and Ivy Huang. Added to these regulars a host of social players from our sponsors and friends and we look forward to some great and fun cricket from the social side.