Reed won the toss and decided to put bottom of the table
Northampton Exiles into bat. This meant a win would be vital for Reed
as bonus points are hard to come by once you win the toss and field.
Reed bowled well and made runs hard to come by. Ian Roberts was again
economical and also unlucky to pick up at least 2 wickets. Richard
Robertson made the break through Reed needed when Exiles had reached
35. 54 runs were added before Chris Jackson struck with the last ball
of his first over. Robertson then struck again next ball and the
visitor found themselves, suddenly, 89-3. That quickly became 105-4
and Reed looked well on top. Unfortunately Browne and Taylor put on
113 before Taylor was well caught by Jackson off the bowling of
Robertson. He then removed Browne for 59 with the no addition to the
score. Exiles finally declared on 227-6. Robertson ended with 4-63
from 13 overs. Reed had got just 1 bonus point.
In reply Reed made an excellent start. Baz Curtis and Paul Watts
put on 80 before Curtis was caught for 48. Watts went for 45 with the
score on 93, but Reed were still very much in the hunt. Exiles had
used spin except for the 28 that Roberts had smashed off him and
getting the ball away to the boundary was proving hard. Reed suffered
a vital blow when Chris Jackson miscued a full toss and caught for 5.
Reed were now 98-3. Exiles took the new ball and with it quick bowler
Langallier came on. He took 5-12 in just 5.2 overs and Reed slumped
for 111-4 to 140 all out. The limped to one batting point. Only
Trevor Saunders was able to make double figures. Reed picked up 2
points and Exiles 30.
