Reed’s fourth eleven were forced to leave their away match against Chipperfield Clarendon IV with a draw much to the frustration of the Reed players. However, it was a game that the visitors had dominated all through the match and came away with 17 of a possible 19 points from a draw. Reed won the toss and batted first, George Garrott (20) and Peter Baker (8) got things going and had made a partnership of 35 before Garrott fell foul off the under-used Franklin (10-1-36-1).
Baker soon followed but an impressive and IV XI record partnership of 121 between John Kershaw (83) and Paul Garrott (69) for the third wicket steadied the ship taking Reed to 153 for 3 from 35. Kershaw then set another record partnership with Darren Radford (23*) of 57 but ended an impressive innings being caught from the bowling of Oliver (12-2-57-2). Reed declared an over early after 46 with the total on 231 for 4, Radford and Marcus J.E. Baker (8*) the men not out.
Reed’s bowlers did just as well in the second innings, Alex West (11-2-14-1) took the first wicket thanks to a fine catch from Alan Ward. P. Baker (3-0-30-1) soon took the second wicket with the some perfect off spin bowling, hitting the top of off stump. But it was the dominating bowling partnership of Jason Pallett (12-3-27-2) and Ian Roberts (9-4-22-1) that ended the host’s aspirations for the win. Fine catches from P. Baker, Kirby, Ward and keeper M.J.E. Baker once again showed Reed’s class in the field. However, Reed were unable to dislodge some of the tail quick enough and the home side finished their 44 over innings on 128 for 7 ending the game with a draw.
