This ‘see-saw’ match ended in high drama that almost copied the Redd 1st XI tie! Reed won the toss and batted, but not for the first time this season lost early wickets and were struggling at 19-2. Paul Watts 17 and Skipper John Heslam 26 steadied the ship and took the score to 60 before both fell in quick succession as excellent Crusader bowling and fielding kept the pressure on.

Wickets fell regularly with only Peter Baker 18 and Jason Archer 18 making double figures as Reed slid to a disappointing 138 all out.

However Reed have been an awesome bowling unit in recent years and despite missing regular opener Jim Allsopp they quickly made an impact. Ian Roberts made excellent use of the swing bowling conditions and removed Crusaders batsmen with a very tight spell.

His 18 overs 6-29 saw Crusaders reduced to 65-9 and Reed seemed poised for victory. However opener Horden had stood firm as all about him failed and he began to take the attack to Reed in a quest for an unlikely Crusaders victory. Reed did not miss any actual chances and enjoyed little luck and the score mounted to the stage where Crusaders needed 4 town off the last over with Reed still needing one wicket for victory.

Roberts had been called back into the attack for a second spell and bowled 5 dot balls leaving no 11 Jewell requiring 4 off the last ball. Two runs wore struck leaving Horden stranded on 86 not out and the match drawn with only 1 run seperating the sides after 100 overs of cricket.