Reeds stand-in captain Peter Baker won the toss elected to field against Baldock at the Freman College ground. The pitch did not appear to have suffered unduly by the week’s constant rain, aided perhaps by the strong winds of the previous day.
Opposition captain Robin Watts opened for the visitors and with Lawson started well despite good opening spells from Joe Graves and Jack Childs. It was first change bowler Alan Ward who made the break through, bowling Lawson for 28. Josh Conley (7-0-28-1), finding a nice bit of movement, also took a wicket followed soon after by Ward taking his second. The important wicket of Watts (36) was taken thanks to a sharp catch behind by Marcus J.E. Baker standing-up to the wicket.
This brought Mongston to the crease who’s opening salvos cleared the rope, after that though he flirted with danger making 29 before being bowled by the legendary Jim Allsopp (8-0-48-1) making his return after several years away from the game. Baines (23) had played some nice shots until trapped LBW becoming Ward’s third wicket, however Ward was only half done.
His perfect line and late movement bowled a further two and had another caught by Ben Walker, he finished with figures of 17 overs, 6 wic kets for 52 runs. The Baldock score of 202 for 8 was achieved thanks mainly to a fine knock by Harris who played some impressive shots late in the innings making 32 not out.
In reply Reed struggled to get going as the top 5 contributed only 18 between them. There then followed a resilient effort from M.J.E. Baker and Ben Walker, they played with patience and diligence in playing the bowling of Loriot (8-3-22-2) and Harris (7-1-36-3). However with the score on 59 Baker (28) was bowled. None the less Walker continued playing a fine innings of 18 before an unfortunate run out. Reed 7 down and still only on 89 now laid their hopes on Jim Allsopp and Alan Ward. Those hopes seemed realised as Allsopp began to blast the ball around the ground bringing up his maiden half century. However despite these entertaining heroics reality set in for Reed as the final few wickets fell, Reed bowled out for 146.
