Having come third and been promoted in their first year in the league last year, Reeds fourth eleven captain Peter Baker was naturally hoping the team could continue to find successes in division 13. With the weather forecast predicting heavy showers it was certainly lucky that rain stayed away on the first day of May as Reed got their league campaign off to a good start. Hatfield Hyde won the toss and the hosting captain decided as one of his players was still absent that batting first was the right decision. He was wrong as the Reed bowling talent got into their opponents. Chris West started well with a spell of three for twenty two from seven overs, whilst Nick Green (6-0-26-1) opened at the other end and had the potentially dangerous number three Downer (14) caught behind by wicket keeper Marcus J.E. Baker. Christian Martin staked a claim at the head of the family leader board with a good spell of nine overs three wickets for eighteen. Wickets also came from Peter Bradford (6-0-41-1) and Peter Baker (2.2-0-6-1) whilst there were catches from Nick Green, Sam Deville, Peter Baker, Chris West and a stunning catch from Paul Garrott who seemed to pluck the ball from the air. Hatfield Hyde were all out for 118.
In response Reed were confident for a win but were aware that it wouldn’t be cake walk. Peter Baker and Paul Garrott opened proceedings for Reed and the two made a solid base for the team. The score was 48 when P. Baker was adjudged out LBW for 23, John Kershaw also suffered a similar fate for just 5 runs but that allowed George Garrott to join his farther at the crease. Wanting to continue his recent good form it was no surprise that George played the ball well and eventually equalled his father’s fine performance as both finished on 44 not out. Reed had won by eight wickets and given themselves the best possible start to their season.
