Reed IIs were again left frustrated after a draw against Flamstead in which they dominated throughout. The returning Stuart Smith recovered from losing two early partners to carry his bat through the innings for a magnificent 112 not out. Ably supported by Edward Garrott 57 and Richard Johnson 38. The total of 232-5 off just 50 overs enabled skipper Jason Archer to call an early declaration, giving his bowlers a similar number of overs in order to dismiss Flamstead. The Flamstead innings never gained any momentum, after 10 overs from Karl Ward (4-59) and Richard Johnson, the opposition were struggling at 14-2. A brief flurry of runs ensued, from the middle order, mainly down to the attacking fields, but as they capitulated and with 20 overs to go, survival was clearly the only thing on Flamsteads agenda. A mere 41 runs were scored off the final twenty overs with Flamstead creeping slowly past the single batting point target. The innings closing on 151-7. A rueful Archer commented “At times we are almost our own worse enemy. Our opening spells of bowling are so accurate that teams seem to give up the run chase less than a quarter of the way through the innings, coupled with the excellent wicket at Reed bowling teams out will be a struggle, if the batsmen decide that dogged resistance is their only option”
Reed entertain Flitwick on Saturday in a clash of two of the 3 remaining unbeaten sides in the Division, and with Flitwick being a side who are willing to chase down totals a good game is in prospect.
