Reed won the toss in their latest league game and decided to bat.
After the two week lay off Reed’s batsmen looked a bit rusty. When
Reed were 15-2 in the 12 over it didn’t look the greatest decision to
bat first. Mark Peart and Simon Roberts repaired the damage with a
stand of 45 for the third wicket. Runs were coming, but at a slow
pace. It took Reed 18 overs to get their first boundary. Peart was
dismissed for a patient 20. Roberts followed just 4 runs later and
Reed were suddenly 64-4, and that was soon 70-5 when Simon Jackson
was removed for 3. Jason Nolan looked in good form until he was
caught for 16. At 98-7 in the 42nd over it looked like Reed would
struggle to get a batting point and post a challenging total. Richard
Robertson was joined by Peter Costen and they decided to up the
scoring rate in the last 10 overs. Robertson hit the only six of the
game before he was bowled for 23. Costen was then joined by Peter
Tidey. They hit a vital 21 in the last 2 overs to push Reed to 150-8
at the close. Costen was left 16 not out and Tidey was 18 not out.
In reply Parkfield’s innings was almost a carbon copy of Reed’s.
Peter Tidey got an early wicket and then came Parkfield’s best
partnership. The introduction of Richard Robertson in to the attack
changed the game. He took 4-21 in 14 overs and ripped out Parkfield’s
upper order. Parkfield slumped from 112-5 to 119-8 and Reed were
suddenly in with a chance. With 5 overs to go Reed needed 2 wickets.
Unfortunately they just could force the win and the game ended in a
draw.
