Reed put up their best league display of the session so far
against Northwood Town. Reed won the toss and decided to bat even
though it looked like the pitch would help the bowlers early on.
Openers Baz Curtis and Mark Peart put on 51 for the first wicket
before Curtis was dismissed for 31. Peart went 14 runs later when he
had scored 26. Trevor Saunders and Chris Jackson then put on 73.
Saunders never one to hang around smashed a quick 41. Jackson was by
now accumulating his runs all around the wicket and the visitors head
began to drop. Simon Roberts helped in a stand of 50 before he went
for 30. Reed’s aim was to get 200 and maximum batting points. Jackson
and new partner Robert Dunn saw the home side safely past this mark
and beyond. In the end Reed were 221-4 with Jackson 73 not out, his
highest league score of the season. Dunn was left on 12.
Northwood Town decided to send in Baker to try and smash a good
start, but this backfired when he was bowled by Andrew Emms. He also
accounted for Piper a few overs later. Reed managed to keep the
pressure on the batting side making them fight for every run.
Northwood Town were still in the hunt until a golden spell of bowling
by Trevor Saunders. He ripped through Northwood Town’s middle order,
taking 4-23 in 9 overs. He was helped by 3 catch by Curtis and a
superb diving catch by new boy William Clarke. Emms came back for a
late burst and picked up his third victim. Peter Tidey took the 9th
wicket, any other catch by Clarke, but Reed just couldn’t get the
final wicket to secure victory.
