Baldock

Reeds captain Alan Ward lost the toss and was asked to field first, Tom Walshingham (8-2-23-1) opened coming down the hill and removed Diplock for a duck before Chris Peckett (5-0-18-1) had Gazely caught by second slip Kieran Wheeler.

Reed then added to Baldock’s woes when first change bowler Ian Roberts (6-1-23-1) took the third wicket. However, Peacock (46), Rist (42) and J. Gazely (37) showed some fight. Reed young talents Reece Fitzgerald (8-0-36-1) and Rhoddri Hughes (7-0-48-2) displayed their ability and potential as they battled the Baldock middle order and claimed some very good wickets. The visitors posted 188 for 8, Wheeler (2-0-17-1) and Rupert Martin (3-1-12-1) chipping in as did Ward, Walshingham, Fitzgerald and Martin with some well taken catches.

In the reply Will Heslam had made a solid ten before being unexpectedly bowled. His opening partner, Wheeler, had made his intentions clear as he started aggressively but with wickets falling at the other end with regularity his efforts seemed to be in vain, a promising partnership with Alan Ward ended when Ward had to retire injured.

Ian Roberts coming in at number 8 then joined the antipodean with the Reed total on 105 for 5 and remained with him in a crucial collaboration that saw Reeds total grow. Wheeler then capped off a good season by reaching three figures. However, the job was not yet done and a fight back from Baldock saw 4 wickets fall including those of Wheeler (100) and Roberts (22). Alan Ward (13*) returned to the crease with his side 9 wickets down, his partner R. Hughes (2*) played a mature innings as the pair knocked off the remaining runs taking Reed over the finish line.