Reed’s Sunday seconds was primarily made up of colts when they played away in their friendly match against neighbours Therfield.
Therfield batted first and had made a big score of 246 for 9, thanks mostly to opener P. Leary (80) and J. Harper (68*). Christian Martin (5-1-46-2) and Ben Walker (8-0-40-0) had opened the bowling for Reed but struggled to find consistency as Therfield made a good start. But Martin struck twice before a third wicket fell to a sharp run out by A.J. Burnell. Rhodri Hughes was then introduced and the young leg spinner soon began to make inroads, he bowled a fantastic spell finishing with impressive figures of 8 overs 4 wickets for 34. Meanwhile, Marcus J.E. Baker (5-0-37-1) had taken some punishment but kept some dignity by taking the wicket of Bradfield (5) thanks to a catch by Walker. Josh Conley (5-1-21-1) also had a turn with the ball and bowled nicely in his spell. Despite the odd chance going down and the occasional miss-field, the young Reed side had done well in the field and could quite easily have been chasing a bigger total. There were catches each for John Kershaw, M.J.E. Baker, Walker and Rob Willoughby who claimed three.
In response Reed started well with Peter Baker and M.J.E. Baker making 47 together before the elder was caught for 15. John Kershaw then came to the crease as he and Baker again frustrated the hosts by making a long partnership. Baker looked in fine form but was unexpectedly bowled on the first ball after drinks for 68. Kershaw (18) followed soon after but Rob Willoughby took over the Reed reply and struck some powerful shots. He was supported by under 15 Ian Curtis who looked perfectly comfortable as he played a sensible innings not risking his wicket at any point and although only making 5 in twelve overs his batting will be all the better for the experience. Willoughby was caught just shy of what would have been his second 50 of the weekend on 47 and Ben Walker made a brief cameo of 8 before being bowled. Number 11 Rhodri Hughes finished the game by denying Therfield the full 10 wickets by smacking a quick fire 7 in the closing over. Reed lost by 58 runs but went down with a fight and certainly was not embarrassed, making 188.
