This week Reed III hosted last seasons Division 11 Champions, Hitchin III. After winning the toss the Reed Captain invited the visitors to bat. On a damp pitch, life for the Hitchin batsman was very difficult and they made slow progress against the bowling of Julian Fynn (13-3-22) and Matt Giblin (7-0-30). After Fynn dismissed the two opening bats, Willis attempted to hit out and for a few overs the run rate increased. Willis (21) was dismissed by an incredible catch by Will Heslam off the bowling of Lewis Fitzgerald (6-3-10).
The Reed bowlers were helped with some good catches being taken by Paul Garrot and Scott Caine. Lewis Fitzgerald snapped up a very sharp caught and bowled chance and Steve Lovegrove took a flying one handed catch behind the stumps off the bowling of Heslam who returned a very miserly 2-1 of off his 3 overs. The only other bowler that was required was off spinner Nick Green who finished on 3.3-1-21. Hitchin were dismissed in 32.3 overs for 89.
By the time tea had been taken and the Reed opening pair of Garrott and Heslam walked out to bat the conditions had improved. Heslam played himself in before taking took full advantage off the improving batting track, whilst Garrott played his usual patient anchor role. The score was on 21 when the pair went for an unnecessary run and Garrott was run out by a very good throw from the boundary. Ben Bowles (13 n.o) joined Heslam (61 n.o) and the pair guided Reed home to a nine wicket win, 30 points, and second position in division 10.
