The third eleven finally found the victory that had eluded them for 6 weeks when they defeated the 2nd placed Codicote at St Christopher School, Letchworth. Reed captain Peter Baker won the toss and put the opposition into bat.
Rupert Martin (10-1-25-3) opened proceedings and with his fourth ball took the first wicket, at the other end Kallum Ward (6.5-2-11-4) matched this feat. However, Reed then found resistance in number three Poulton (62*) whose steady innings saved Codicote from disaster as the wickets continued to fall at a regular intervals. Bowlers Ian Roberts (12-5-21-2) and Michael Robertson (8-0-43-1) contributed to the wicket tally, but it was Martin and Ward returning in their second spells that mopped up the Codicote tail. Codicote limped to 120 all out from 42.5 overs, thanks to several useless contributions from the order including four ducks, three of them golden.
Reeds own batting performance started badly itself when P. Baker (0) was caught fifth ball of the innings. But to Codicote’s own misery this allowed the hard hitting Michael Robertson to come to the crease. Robertson (45) supported by Matt Bowles (23) took quick singles and boundaries with some precise shots and aggressive batting. The partnership of 58 ended when Robertson was caught looking for his half century. However, from one problem to another Codicote then faced Masseh Naeem who despite a shaky start, smacked 30. A succession of quick wickets then followed but Reed were in not going to allow this win slip through their fingers. Marcus J.E. Baker (11*) and Rupert Martin (4*) finished the job with 15.5 overs to go. Father and son C. Richards (14-5-57-2) and L. Richards (5.1-1-22-3) the only two of the Codicote bowling talent to take wickets.
The victory marked the end of a 6 week long streak of poor luck, but with only two weeks left it will require two more victories and whole lot of good luck for the three’s to get promotion.
