Reed 2nd XI visited runaway league leaders Old Owens on Saturday, but returned with only a low points draw after throwing away a promising winning position.

Having put the home team into bat Reed’s bowlers toiled in the sun as Baker and Tanner put on 99 for the first wicket, before Baker fell bowled by Roberts for 46. Tanner though continued witha fine innings of 133 not out as Old Owens reached 229-3.

Reed promoted Jim Allsopp from his usual tail end position to open the innings as Jim had to leave the ground to attend a coaching awards ceremony. The move paid off as batting in his usual forthright style, Jim rattled up a rapid 37 to put Reed at 62-2 when Jim was ultimately bowled. Richard Johnson then took over the mattle and began to build another polished innings. However Johnsons pertners in the Reed middle order came and went too cheaply.

Johnson battled away to pass 50 for the second successive week, but when he fell bowled for 54 with the score at 161-7, Reed’s winning chance had evaporated and the side batted out for a draw, ending 178-9.