Reed sailed high again on Saturday by completing another thumping victory over mid-placed Preston, registering the maximum points for a fifth consecutive time in as many games. Placed 1st in the League, James Heslam, 1XI captain, is vying hard to maintain the momentum instilled in the team to secure promotion to Division 1.
Winning the toss, Reed bowled first on a pitch that offered some early seam movement. Graham Wilson toiled for no reward with 12-3-29-0, as he pegged down one end and the talismanic Peter Tidey (17.3-4-40-4) fulfilled the usual function the other end. He removed W Hearne (10) early, thanks to a simple catch from Baz Curtis at first slip. A Catlin (41) held the other end up slowly accumulating runs, but wickets fell regularly throughout the innings thanks to Tidey early on, as Preston were reduced to 62-3 off 23 overs. The immediate introduction of William Clarke (9-3-37-2) brought rewards as he bowled dangerman R Gatehouse (13), and soon followed up with a probing over that laid the foundation for B Turner (16) to offer a catch to Heslam at short extra cover. Partnering Clarke, Andrew Emms (5-2-13-2) snared Samaweera (4) thanks to a sharp catch by wicket keeper Simon Jackson and opener Catlin at extra cover with a confident catch by Marcus Martin. Richard Johnson (2-1-4-2) then came on to mop up the tail with 2 perfect yorkers to dismiss Preston for 130 in 45.3 overs.
Reed’s spirited reply began with Baz Curtis (13) and James Heslam accelerating the score to 27 off 5 overs, until Curtis was harshly adjudged LBW to a rising delivery, but his replacement Chris Jackson (35*) filled his boots well, as he carried the score to 69 with James Heslam (30).
With Fulk (43) and Jackson at the crease looking comfortable, the Preston attack lost their determination and momentum allowing Reed free reign to complete a resounding 8 wicket victory, although Preston were unlucky not to take the wicket of Fulk as he was dropped twice on his first ball and last of the innings due to uncharacteristic lazy shots.
James Heslam commented: “Today, we had a good chance to get accustomed to the heat, have a good bowl and bat in preparation for our NVC game against Langleybury – of course Im delighted that we are top of the league and unbeaten-we haven’t had a start like this before so its new territory for us all! Long may it continue.”
