Reed won the toss and elected to bat first but were soon in trouble as they lost 3 wickets for only 23. But Broxbourne’s next success was not until Cemal Ramadan and Alan Ward had added a further 125. This was a new 4th wicket partnership for Reed’s Fourth XI and was based around the 14 year-old Ramadan’s superbly struck 90. By the time he was dismissed, he had scored 5 sixes and 8 fours in happy-go-lucky fashion that all, except the Broxbourne bowlers and fielders, enjoyed immensely. Ward went for 23 then later Jason Pallett (21) and Christian Martin (25 not out) contributed useful runs at the end of the Reed innings to close on 202 for 9 after the allotted 47 overs.
Martin and Richard Robertson opened the bowling when Broxbourne batted and although economical, and finding the edge of the bat occasionally, they were unable to break the opening stand. Spinners Rhodri Hughes and Bernie Morss were introduced into the attack and eventually Hughes (1 for 41) flighted one up for Peter Baker to take the catch at extra cover. Pallett replaced Hughes and struck with his first delivery then added another scalp soon after as Baker took a skyer.
Meanwhile, 12 year-old Reece Fitzgerald (1 for 27) took over at the other end bowling a tight line and was rewarded by a sharp and low catch by Pallett at square leg. With 4 wickets down, Broxbourne now had the task of maintaining the required run rate, but their own teenaged batting star, Charlie Willis, kept his cool and notched-up a chanceless maiden century. Whilst he was at the crease, Broxbourne were favourites and so it was, despite Willis then giving 3 dropped catches after reaching his ton, that he saw them home with just one over remaining. Pallett took 2 for 28 in his spell.
