East Haddon won the toss and elected to bowl
On a sunny and warm day in Northamtonshire Fergus Martin and Phil Frenay opened the batting for Reed on East Haddon’s artificial surface, putting on an impressive 112 for the first wicket, against some inaccurate deliveries from the open bowlers of the home side. Phil was first to be dismissed for 36, hitting a delivery from young leg spinner Povey to the fielder at deep mid wicket, who took a comfortable catch. Chris Jackson was next in and move along nicely to 20 before being caught off the off spin of Berger, attempting to increase the scoring rate. This led to the introduction of Tom Greaves who played some characteristic aggressive shots including a big six of a full toss from Berger. During this feast of extras, expansive shot making and wickets falling young opener Fergus Martin was plying his trade, cleverly rotating the strike and playing some classy shots, including an extra cover drive off East Haddon’s best bowler Southam. Martin’s innings was completed in the 40th over after being bowled by Keeping for 78, bring Karl Ward to the crease to face the final few over of the innings. Reed’s inning was completed on 216 with Tom Greave’s not out on an impressive 31.
The Johnson’s, Lee and Richard opened the bowling for Reed and despite the artificial surface slow pace suiting neither bowler an early break through was soon made, with Richard Johnson clever slower ball being pulled to Young at mid wicket who completed a sharp catch. The next phrase of play proved to be East Haddon best, when the home sides South African captain Berger came to the crease. Berger and the opener Brown played well taking the home side to 73 before Richard Johnson took his second wicket, removing Brown with a good lenght ball that was caught well by Sean Tidey the wicket keeper of Reed. Despite the loss of Haddon’s opening bat the home side look favourite for the win. This was until Reed’s South African came on to bowl and after a few overs to target the radar Young began to make in roads into the Haddon batting, firstly removing Reed old boy Pearce for 10 with a ball that lifted and cut away from the right hander. At 136 for 3 with and skipper Burger batting well, the home side still looked to be in control; but Young was not finished, soon removing Hole LBW and Berger, cault at mid off for an excellent 73. With Berger gone Reed took the opportunity to complete the win, and despite some big shots from the home side tail enders Haddon finishing all out 16 runs short with Morss and Ward picking up two useful wickets each, Young 4 for 31, Johnson 2-41, Ward 2-15 and Morss 2-31.
Captain’s notes
A good start to the season with Fergus, Tom, Richard and Andy having really good games. On the down side we missed the oppotunity to finish the game when batting, falling to push on at the middle and latter stages of the innings, perhaps finish 30 runs light. It could also be suggested if Haddons opening bowlers had not been so generous with extras early on, the result could have been very different.
Man of the Match Fergus Martin 78 runs
