Reed’s 2nd XI managed to dent their own promotion ambitions with a poor batting display at fellow challengers Chorleywood. Baz Curtis again won the toss and decided to bat. Reed got off to a flier as Curtis raced to 21 and to 31 in just 6 overs. When Curtis was caught at mid off William Heslam joined Fergus Martin and the pair looked in control and kept the scoreboard ticking along nicely. Heslam driving well and finding the boundary at a good rate. He then became the first of Ryan’s 5 victims when he was adjudged LBW for 15.
The same bowler struck again to remove Matt Bowles and then bowled Fergus Martin and all of a sudden the visitors were in a real mess at 55-4. This soon became 65-8 and it didn’t look like Reed would set any sort of challenge. Rupert Martin had other ideas and constructed a solid 30 and with Chris Peckett saw Reed past 100. When he was dismissed Reed lasted only another 2 overs and limped to 104 all out.
With plenty of time before the scheduled tea break Chorleywood started their reply. Kallum Ward opened the attack for Reed along with Peter Tidey. Ward struck in his 3 over and Tidey took 2 wickets including a stunning caught and bowled. It was so calmly taken one handed that it seems he catches them every time. Reed thought they might have a sniff of victory and at tea the home side were 53-3.
Sherah and Toms looked solid and Reed need to make early inroads after the break. Chris Peckett bowled Sherah with the score on 73. 30 to win with 6 wickets in hand, Toms decided it was time to put the result beyond doubt. He struck some lusty blows and was the last wicket to fall when he had reached 44. Rupert Martin was the bowler with brother Marcus taking the catch. Chorleywood knocked off the 7 they needed without further incident and won by 5 wickets.
