Reed’s opening game of the season ended in a very tame draw, but
some positive performance did come from the game. Reed decided to bat
first after winning the toss and look good in reaching 31 for the
first wicket, but that quickly became 34-3 when Baz Curtis was bowled
for a brisk 22. This brought together Simon Jackson and James Heslam.
Heslam indicated his positive approach when his first 5 scoring shots
were all boundaries. He hit 8 4s on his way to his fifty. Jackson was
not to be out done and he also reached a fifty in rapid time. Stoner
was brought in to the attack and quickly removed the Heslam when the
pair were just one short of tying the club record for the 4th wicket.
Jackson went in Stoner’s next over and Reed were now 161-5. Simon
Roberts and Martin Seale made slow but steady progress towards 200,
But once they had come to terms with the pitch both put bat to ball
and Reed raced toward 200 and beyond. Reed declared on 220-5 with
Roberts 31 not out and Seale unbeaten on 26.
During tea the weather got much colder and wetter, but play
continued and Ickleford Cricketers made a good start. They also got
into the 30’s before losing two wickets while on 37. Both fell to Ian
Roberts, who was now on a hat trick, but it was not to be. Peter
Costen reduced the visitors to 49-3 and after that they seemed to
lose interest. Tom Fulk came on to replace Roberts and picked up 2
wickets in his 5 over spell for just 12 runs. The game looked like a
draw all the way, but Roberts returned to take another 2 wickets and
again be on a hat trick. Despite his best efforts he was flouted
again. He still ended with 4-10 in 10 overs. In the end the game was
drawn with Reed glad to get back in to the warm.
