Reed made up for last weeks dire draw by taking 30 points from a
game they never looked like winning when they were dismissed for a
meagre 126. Not only were the all out for a low score, but they gave
the home side an added 13 overs to get the runs.
Reed had won the toss and decided to bat. Baz Curtis was the first
of 5 Reed ducks second ball, but Mark Peart making his final league
appearance for Reed before moving to Scotland and Chris Jackson put
on a fine 75 for the 2nd wicket and all look good for a big score.
The 75 had come in quick time too, in just 15 overs.With in the space
of 7 overs Reed were suddenly 89-5. Jackson was caught behind for
another good 35 and Peart was next to follow for 39. Both had looked
very solid. Peart was the first victim of Innes’s hat trick and all
of a sudden Boxmoor were on top. Reed never really recovered.
Blissett made 20, and Robert Dunn was unlucky to be given out LBW for
11, but no one else reached double figures and Reed had set the home
team,127 to win in 60 overs.
Boxmoor started their innings before tea and it was vital Reed got
a wicket in that time, and they did. Despite being dropped earlier
Puddy was caught behind for 2. William Clarke was taking full
advantage off some very lively bounce and quickly took another
wicket, bowling Sharp for 8 after the tea interval. Clarke was well
supported by Peter Costen and then Ian Roberts. Both kept things
tight at the other end. Roberts picked up a wicket before being
replaced by Mark Peart. Clarke was no in full flow and finding the
perfect length. He picked up 4 more wickets reducing the home side to
an amazing 31-7 and Reed looked like they had 30 points in the bag,
but they had reckoned with out left hinder Cope. Along with Higgins
they put on 51 for the 8th wicket. Cope found it much easier to over
come the bounce being left handed. Costen also relieved a tired
Clarke and suddenly batting became much easier. Clarke came back into
the attack with Reed desperate for a wicket. He duly removed Hodgins
when Scott Rouse held on to a fierce drive at the second attempt. He
then bowled Baker for 4 and again Reed looked favourites needing just
one more wicket to seal victory. Cope had other ideas and started to
put bat to ball. He got the home side to within 5 of victory before
Peart had him LBW for 61. William Clarke returned a career best 16
overs, 3 maidens, 8-66 and saw Reed to a valuable 30 points.
