Ickleford

Marcus J.E. Baker won the toss and elected to field first opening with Joe Graves (6-0-43-0) and Chris Marshall (8-0-47-3). Marshall bowled two in his opening spell, holding a tight line and consistent pace. Reed were then made to toil as Ickleford first team skipper Jenner and Dobson made a strong partnership, finding the boundary with ease whilst also taking quick singles.

The young Reed side found it hard going in the heat but stuck in there and after the retirement of Jenner (102) wickets began to come easily. Dobson (91) was caught superbly by Rhodri Hughes in the slips off the bowling of Peter Baker (3-0-21-1). Hughes and C. Marshall both took wickets in their returning spells thanks to catches by Greg Marshall. M.J.E. Baker (3-0-12-1) took a returning catch that was smashed back at him, as it became clear that had it not been for Jenner and Dobson’s innings the Ickleford total would have been more competitive than the dominant 258 for 7 posted.

The Reed reply had the worst possible start as the top 4 all fell for just one run between them. Rob Willoughby then played a crucial innings first supported by Jack Hart and then later Rhodri Hughes as he took Reed past 50. Willoughby then fell caught behind for 47, leaving R. Hughes to continue the fight. His distinctive style proved successful as he worked the ball about, driving and pulling the ball. However, just as he was about to take Reed to three figures R. Hughes was bowled for a fine 25. The tail soon followed as Reed finished on 110, Steve Hughes the man not out on 4. A disappointing result but there was plenty of fight shown by the young side.