Reed’s 2nd XI got another 30 points over the weekend. Reed lost the toss and were not surprised to find themselves asked to field. Reed’s opening attack knew that a good line and length on the flat track would be vital and duly delivered. Peter Tidey and Kallum Ward conceded just 63 runs between them in the 31 overs they bowled. Tidey bowled a marathon spell of 21 over taking 3-36. Ward came back to remove the stubborn last pair and finished with 3-27. They were well supported by Mitchell Cooper who took 2-28 and Jason Archer 2-19.
Reed had looked in total control through out their time in the field. Preston had collapsed to 48-5 and then 81-8, but as so often happens those last 2 wickets are hard to get. Harrington for Preston supplied some resistance for the visitors with a very patient 27. He and Connah, the Preston number 10 put on 37 for the 9th wicket before Ward had him caught by Cooper at midwicket. Connah continued playing his shots and had moved to an excellent 33 before being yorked by Ward. This left Preston 138 all out.
Reed’s reply didn’t start too well with skipper Baz Curtis playing on for 2 and Fergus Martin lbw for 3. At 11-2 it seemed 138 might be a challenge. In form Richard Johnson has other ideas. He and William Heslam put on 53 for the 3rd wicket before Heslam was caught for 11. Karl Ward then joined Johnson. Ward smashed the newly taken new ball to all part in a very quick 26 before going for one shot too many and being bowled for 26. It was now 94-4, but still looked like a comfortable win for the home side. Preston didn’t give up and removed Roddi Liebenberg for 6 and then immediately after drinks Johnson was caught for an excellent 69. It was now 122-6 with 17 needed. It was left to the young pair of Mitchell Cooper (4) and Sean Tidey (15) to see the home side to another 30 points.
