On the Second ground at Rickmansworth which was full of weeds with stones scattered on parts of the outfield, Reed’s openers set-off in watchful fashion. The pitch had been dampened and each delivery was unpredictable, but Peter Baker and Paul Garrott were solid enough until Baker mis-judged the capabilities of the mid-on fielder and was run-out for 13 with the score on 18. Enter Richard Robertson who accompanied Garrott until both had passed their half-centuries. Robertson in particular applied excellent footwork in straight driving the bowlers. The partnership had added 117 when Robertson was bowled for 51. Rob Willoughby began in belligerent mood by cracking successive boundaries through and over the on-side. Paul Garrott eventually fell for a more than competent 88 but Willoughby continued in hard-hitting form and pressed on to 71 not out when the innings closed on 258 for 4.
Christian Martin was soon amongst the wickets when Rickmansworth batted and his spell of 10 overs provided him with 3 for 21. Spinner Nick Green flighted his deliveries well to take 1 for 21 and Alan Ward took 1 for 9, but chief wicket-taker was Ian Roberts who returned 4 for 31. Frustratingly for Reed however, the number 11 held-out for the last 3 overs thus earning the draw, although 134 runs behind at the end.
Match Drawn. Reed IV 19 points; Rickmansworth IV 1 point.
