Always a tricky team to play, Frogmore again proved to be a thorn in Reed’s side. With both teams unbeaten in the league it turned out to be a hard fought encounter. Reed won the toss and with a strong batting line up, decided that it would be easier to chase down a score and asked Frogmore to bat first. Frogmore’s opening pair were made to work for their runs struggling against the accurate bowling of Julian Fynn, who beat the bat on numerous occasions. James Hooper was first to strike in the 5th over, bowling Chapman for 12 before he could get into his stride. Fynn’s opening spell was exceptional; how he managed to be wicket less in his opening spell of 8 overs 3 maidens for 12 runs will remain a mystery.
As always the introduction of Richard Robertson (9-2-3-32) to the attack resulted in wickets going down at regular intervals, Karl ward (10-2-1-29) and Christian Martin (4-0-2-15) gave valuable support. Where Reed let themselves down, was in the field with three catches going to ground. A spirited rearguard action by The Frogmore skipper Albon (32) and Bradford (45 n.o) allowed Frogmore to reach 188 for 8 after their 47 overs. 40 runs more than they should have been allowed.
The third new opening partnership in three weeks saw Matt Bowles and Fergus Martin start the run chase for Reed. After 6 months away doing charity work in Africa, Martin was unhurried and rarely looked troubled. Bowles on the other hand looked to attack the Frogmore bowlers punishing any loose delivery. They kept the score ticking over and after 16 over’s Reed were 60 without loss only just behind the required rate. After Bowles was caught attempting one big hit to many on 31, Reed had a mini collapse losing 3 wickets in quick succession with Martin adjudged LBW for 21 . Karl ward (24) and Steve Lovegrove (16) attempted to keep the chase alive with some lusty blows. It was Julian Fynn batting at number 8 and Reeds man of the match, who nearly got things back on track. Frogmore must have thought they were home and dry with the score on 147 for 9 with 5 over’s remaining.
Fynn supported by Christian Martin went for broke, hitting the Frogmore skipper for 16 runs in an over which included two sixes to leave Reed needing 5 runs to win with 2 over’s remaining. It was not to be, Fynn took a quick single off of the first ball of the penultimate over, Christian Martin blocked out the second, on the third he attempted to tickle the ball down to fine leg for a quick single but he got too much on it. The ball flew towards square leg, who grabbed it gleefully above his head at full stretch. A few inches higher and it would have been a boundary and a different story, as it was Frogmore won by 4 runs. Many things contributed to Reed leaving with only 8 points, three dropped catches and 32 extra’s, 19 of which were wides where a major factor.
