At 25 for 3, Royston were rescued by veteran campaigner Ken Graham who has probably played at Royston for more years than some of his teammates have been alive! He hit 3 massive sixes on his way to 31 before he holed-out to cover off Peter Baker, who felt the time was right to try stopping Graham taking-over the match. By this time Royston were 100 for 5. With contributions by Leek (23), Temple (28), Turner and Warren (35 each), the home side ended on 198 for 7. Keiran K Ward took 2 for 38, older brother Karl 1 for 22 from 7 overs, Will Heald 1 for 24 and partnership breaker Peter Baker 2 for 8.

Although not an unbeatable score, Reed were confident enough. However, they started-off badly and lost quick early wickets. It was evident that Reed’s teenagers were not experienced enough to cope with stalwart ex-1st team opening Royston bowler Allan Hooton, who opened the bowling and conceded just 3 runs from his 6 overs. He was then replaced by the current Royston 1st XI opening bowler Richard Temple who bowled 5 overs taking 5 wickets for a mere 7 runs. Considering the state of the game, bowling two adults for 11 overs (effectively half of Reed’s eventual overs) against Reed’s teenagers and taking 5 for 10, probably ruined what contest there was. Royston youngsters Tokley and C Hooton did chip-in later by each taking 2 wickets. Apart from Matt Bowles reaching 11, no one else managed double figures and Reed were blown away for 57 although someone who looked un-phased by it all was the youngest of the Ward clan, Kallum (KL) from Reed’s U11 side. He ended up with six runs including a boundary.