Reed got back to winning ways last weekend against league rivals Claredon. Reed fielding 7 players under 20 were always going to find it tough playing a team 2 places higher than them in the division 4 table. They weren’t helped by losing a vital toss and being put into bat. A shower just before the start had made the wicket very skiddy.

Baz Curtis and James Heslam put on 32 for the first wicket before Curtis became the first of Wise’s five wickets. William Clarke and Stuart Smith soon follow each scoring 2. James Heslam looked in control, but was bowled for 36 and Reed were deep in trouble. Andrew Emms batting at six decided to show some aggression against Wise, hitting the left arm spinner for two huge six’s with minimum effort!! Peter Costen showed equal aggression smashing 27, but when they both went Reed crumbled and were all out for 130.

Reed needed early wickets and despite beating the bat on numerous occassions nothing went for the home side. Clarendon were making good if not quick progress, but with 57 overs to reach their total it wasn’t a problem. Michael Berks replaced William Clarke and immediately got a break through. By the end of his seven over spell he had 4 wickets and Reed has a chance. Wise had other ideas and was smashing anything lose. William Clarke now back on up the hill switched to around the wicket and first ball had wise caught for 38. Clarke came out of Berks shadow and took 4 more wickets in his 18 overs for just 46 runs. The run rate slowed to a trickle, but Caldicott was proving hard to shift and Wess at number 10 was showing signs of wanting to spoil Reed’s party. He was Clarke’s fifth victim when he managed to take the edge of the bat and keeper Smith did the rest. Berks replaced Peter Costen at the pavillion end and bowled number 11, Howarth for a duck to earn Reed a much needed 30 points with a 22 run win.