When Chris Marshall and George Garrott ripped through the Rosedale top-order batting taking 3 wickets a-piece, it was only a matter of time before Reed achieved victory. Because of bowling restrictions on young pace bowlers, Under 15 colt Marshall had figures of 3 for 22 from 6 overs and Garrott, 3 for 14 in his 7 over spell before they both had to be replaced.
Reeling with 6 wickets down only the opening batsman, Colin Winter, got into double figures for the hosts as he top-scored with 43 before he became the second of Reece Fitzgerald’s three scalps. Change bowlers Ian Roberts took 1 for 17 from 9 overs, and Fitzgerald, (from Reed’s Under 13s squad), returned figures of 3 for 21 from his 9 overs of off-spin.
Earlier, Reed’s innings had faltered at 24 for 2 but George Garrott, (31), then added 94 in partnership with Dominick McOmish, (41), in a display of finely-placed and sweetly-timed shots. Alan Ward scored 37 whilst some lusty hitting was produced by Rob Willoughby, (17), and Ian Roberts, (16 n.o.), enabling Reed to close on a strong 216 for 7.
The rout ended with Rosedale all-out for 88 some 128 short of their target as wicket keeper Ian Curtis and fielders Swain, Baker and Fitzgerald supported the bowlers by taking some excellent catches. Reed have now improved 5 positions in their Division in the past 2 weeks and have clambered away from the relegation zone with four matches to play.
