Having got word that their arranged fixture against neighbours Therfield would sadly not happen due to lack of availability on their part, Reeds Sunday seconds were forced to go to conference to find suitable opponents and so it was Datchworth that arrived at The Green for a 40/40 friendly. With Peter Baker out with a broken thumb captaincy passed down to his son Marcus who having won the toss decided to bat first and sent out Aiden Swain and Matt Bowles.
Reed soon found themselves in trouble at 28 for 2 after the loss of two cheap wickets, but Matt Bowles held firm at the crease and continued to attack the Datchworth bowling. Kallum Ward in at number 4 supported Bowles before he was out caught for 28 with the score on 52 for 3 from 15 overs. Joining Ward was M.J.E. Baker and the two went about saving the innings and gradually began to build a crucial partnership. They had put on 90 together when Ward, who had been hitting the ball well went for one shot too many and was out caught for a fantastic 43. Meanwhile, Baker continued to punish the bad balls and eventually reached 50 before also being caught trying to up the run rate in the last ten overs for 54. The last six overs saw Dominic McComish and Matt Giblin add 32 with some impressive running between the wickets. Reed finished on 191 for 6, McComish 21* and Giblin 11*.
In reply Christian Martin (6-1-32-1) struck first, followed soon after by first change bowlers Neil Haslam (6-1-22-3) and Matt Giblin (7-1-23-3). Mathew Naeem (4-0-21-1) also chipped in with a wicket but the win came in the single over by Matt Bowles who took 2 for 5. There were catches from Chris West, K.L. Ward and three from M.J.E. Baker who also took a stumping with the gloves. Datchworth were all out for 163, special mention to S. Croucher who came out again to bat after a bad injury had earlier forced him off, despite only being a friendly. Reed won by 28 runs in a good all round display from the young side.
