Despite the result being only a draw Reed’s 2nd XI did everything possible to win the game. Baz Curtis won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Three balls in to their innings Curtis must have thought this was unwise as he was bowled for a duck. Mitchell Cooper faired little better and Reed were 12-2. Matt Bowles and Phil Freney began to rebuild the innings with Bowls in particular taking a liking to the bowling of Khan. The pair had put on a solid 52 when Bowles miss timed one and was caught at midwicket. Reed were flying along at around 5 an over, but a sudden collapse saw them reduced to 90-6 from 21 overs. Freney was adjusted LBW when he had reach 35 and looked set to press on.
It looked like the visitors would give away a serious over advantage to their hosts, but Roddi Liebenberg has different ideas. He started slowly, but at 139-8 in only the 28th over he had plenty of time. Could anyone stay with him. The answer was a solid yes in the form of Rupert Martin. Martin showed great defence, and with some good running and sensible aggression the pair started to get on top. Low who had done all the early damage was finally replaced and the two batsman began to take advantage. Liebenberg raced to 50 and Reed passed maximum batting points in the 41st over. The outfield was fast and the steep slope made defending runs difficult. With still 13 overs to go Reed not only had to get more runs, but also use up the overs. Liebenberg started to be more aggressive and boundaries came more regularly. He hit two big sixes and 15 fours on the way to his hundred. He was finally bowled for 105 leaving Martin 34 not out. Reed posted a challenging 252-9.
Reed decided to try and keep the run rate down early on and see if a tight run chase could bring some early wickets. Keiran Wheeler and Peter Tidey bowled extremely well only giving away 14 runs in the first 10 overs. Wheeler struck first with the score on 27. Book for Totteridge Millhillians looks in fine form and was scoring the majority of the run. Cooper replaced Wheeler and produced his best spell for the 2nd XI. With the new ball in hand he got it to swing and took 3 wickets in his first 2 overs. The home side suddenly found themselves 74-4, but well behind the clock. Book had reached his 50 and was the prize wicket. Rupert Martin replaced Tidey and picked up the vital wicket thanks to a fine catch by Wheeler. Cooper finished his 7 over spell and Wheeler came back into the attack. He picked up two more wickets. Will Dobson also got into the action picking up a wicket.
Cooper replaced Dobson with 4 over left and struck straight away. At 141-9 could Reed force the win? The chance came with 3 balls left of the bowling of Wheeler, but it was dropped and the home side held on for a draw. All in all Reed will take great confidence from playing so well as a team with everyone making a contribution.
