Reed Recover Karl Ward scored a maiden undefeated Saracens League half Century as Reed 2nd XI romped to victory against high flying St.Albans on Saturday. Reed’s rocky start to the new season, was compounded on Saturday, with the loss of John Heslam to the first ball of the match and with Ian Fulk following soon after to a sublime catch. Another batting collapse looked on the cards.

But Reed pairing Johnson (30) and Ben Bowles (30) batted sensibly to help take the team out of intensive care. The duo again fell in quick succession to leave Reed’s batting once more in need of attention.

Robertson and Shorrock improved the situation, but Roberts and youngster Ward led the recovery. With a score of 120 looking likely, Ward rose to the occasion and after an inauspicious start, played with power and confidence. Ward picked off the bad balls and by the close of innings had reached an excellent 52 not out. Reeds total of 189 was always going to be challenging, and with Nottingham varsity star Richard Johnson in the attack it proved so.

Johnson ripped through the Saints top order. With two early candidates for catch of the season from Jason Archer and Bobby Costen, and five clean bowleds, Johnson recorded figures of 6.4overs 7-25. A spell, which decimated any chance of even a draw for the visitors. Ably assisted by the swinging Ian Roberts (3-13), Johnson wrapped up the innings with 3 wickets in 4 balls to close the innings. New Reed skipper Jason Archer commented, “Richards spell was devastating, he must be close to a first team call up, but my man of the match was Karl Ward. His 52 late on in the innings took the momentum and eventually the game away from our opponents. The Reed youth policy is paying dividends”