Greenwood Park

Reeds captain Peter Baker, in his last match in that role, won the toss and inserted the opposition. Reed only started with 8 on the field with one other arriving soon after, this disadvantage led to the opening pairing of M. Baker (no relation) and M. Nawaz putting on a huge stand of 193. Nawaz (75) fell to a catch by Rob Willoughby from the bowling of Jack Hart (5-0-29-1) who had kept a good line and got the ball moving in the air. Tom Walshingham (8-1-19-0) had also bowled well but came away empty handed as M. Baker (97*) and K. Mahbubal (17*) did some late innings damage in taking the visitors to 233 from their forty overs.

The daunting target soon seemed minute as openers Sean Tidey and Matt Bowles went to work in demolishing the deficit. Tidey in particular smashed the ball to all parts of the ground as he rushed past 50. In the twelfth over Reed went to 100 but also lost Tidey for a brutal 75 (11 x 4 3x 6). P. Baker then joined Bowles and continued in the chase. Bowles took up the mantle of ‘big hitter’ and blasted the ball past the fielders registering 17 fours when he fell in the 26th over for 79 with the score on 206. This left Baker (47*) and Rob Willoughby (10*) to knock of the last few runs. A fantastic victory considering Reed only had 9 players.

As stated this was Peter Baker’s final match as captain for both the Sunday Seconds and Saturday fours. In the time that he has performed this role he has served the club by forming the back bone for these sides which has meant the club has provided an opportunity for every member of the club to have a game. Everybody getting a chance to contribute has always been important to him and has kept the enthusiasm and interest of many who might otherwise be put off from playing. We can see now throughout the clubs many sides several players that have benefitted from his stewardship not just in their ability but also in the way they go about playing the game.