Two strong Reed and Foxton sides met in the 1st Round of the Keatley Cup on a gloriously warm and sunny Wednesday evening.
Batting first Foxton got off to a rapid start with “JP” Procasio striking the ball powerfully, well supported by Sanderson. Reed’s opening bowlers Lee Johnson and Will Dobson each went at an average of 8 an over though Reed did spurn a catch and a stumping chance. Sanderson eventually fell bowled by Mitchell Cooper for 30 but Projacio continued his majestic progress. At one time a total in excess of 150 seemed on the cards but Reed gradually got a grip on the game as Cooper took 2 further wickets giving him a return of 4 overs 3-27. Procajio eventually fell for 67 bowled by Lee Johnson in the last of Foxtons 16 overs and the score of 130-5 was very respectable, if not totally daunting.
Reeds Dobson fell LBW for 1 in the 2nd over and when Ed Garrott was bowled for 7 in the 3rd Reed were struggling. 2 wickets down for only 10. However surviving Reed opener Liam McKechnie was joined by James Heslam and the Reed innings started to turn around. McKechnie hit a rapid series of boundaries to propel the Reed score forward and with the quality strokeplay of Heslam being seen to good effect Reed were right back in the match. However, McKechnie holed out caught on the long on boundary for 25 and when Tom Greaves came and went next ball for a golden duck Reed were 4 wickets down and seemingly in trouble. It was apparent that the new partnership between Marcus Martin and Heslam would be key to the match result. The pair struck the ball well and ran particularly well between the wickets. With 5 overs to go Reed still needed 55 to win but Heslam now cut loose and set about the run chase in determined fashion. With Reed needing 17 to win off the final two overs the game was in the balance and the Foxton fielders as well spread as the rules of the competition allow. Procajeo bowled the 2nd last over to Heslam but after some blistering shots including a mammoth 6 over mid wicket the match was all over as Reed struck 20 off the over and totaled 134 for 4 winning with an over to spare. The magnificent Heslam ended on 66 not out with Martin contributing a fine 31 not out.
