This fixture was played as a 40-over per side match on a beautifully warm Sunday afternoon on a well-prepared wicket that was a paradise for batsmen. Aided by a quick outfield, a below strength bowling attack and a short boundary on one side, Hatley & Arrington kept-up a constant rate of approximately 5 per over for the first 30 overs of their innings. Edgehill looked class as he made batting appear easy, but soon after passing 50, he was bowled by veteran Reed bowler, Clive Collins. Number 3 Warman also reach a half-century as he belligerently battered the home-side’s bowling. Then, once they had departed, Hooley, Hastings and Jakes, had their fair share of boundary shots as they accelerated the scoring rate to 7 per over to end on 267 for 5.

Reed’s Ian Roberts, (1 for 41 from 8 overs), had had early success after an enforced lay-off by taking a wicket with his 3rd delivery after his return to match-play. More will be expected from him in League cricket as the season transpires. Teenagers KK Ward and Matthew Bowles bowled manfully, but Hooley blasted them out of the attack on his way to 98. Infrequent bowler Alan Ward took-on the responsibility of delivering 8 seam-up overs for a creditable return of 45 runs whilst Peter Baker managed 2 wickets for 47 runs, although he conceded too many boundaries.

In reply, Reed’s openers, Ed Blissett and Peter Baker, took-on the H&A attack and built a platform by maintaining a rate of 5 an over. However, Baker fell for 42 with the score at 86. After that, the asking rate was always too much for Reed to keep-up. Alan Ward made the most of his time in the middle, reaching 21, but it was Ed Blissett who looked comfortable enough by scoring 95 before he fell shortly before Reed’s innings ended at 184 for 4. Hatley & Arrington therefore won by 83 runs.