It was a young side that hosted Wandering Crows at The Green for a 40/40 friendly, with that fact in mind both captains agreed that the visitors should bat first.
Runs came a’ plenty for the Crows as they took advantage of some inconsistent bowling. Opening for the away team was Joe Mariani and 15 year old Kassy Harris who both played with control and skill and put close to everything away to the boundary. Their daunting partnership was only broken when Mariani (93) was caught by Rob Willoughby in the deep off the bowling of Sam Rice (5-34-1) who had taken some punishment but also tricked both batsmen with his spin. Jack Hart bowled well with a tight line however the odd wider ball still found its way to the boundary, the young Harris now looking unstoppable. However, the bowling of Rob Willoughby proved his undoing as he was stumped for a fantastic 132, his wicket ball being the only bad shot he had played. Runs in the closing overs from Leat (28) and Brown (33) pushed The Crows over 300 finishing on 315 for just 2.
Reeds reply got off well with Peter Baker and Mathew Naeem both scoring fluently and quickly. They made 42 together before M.H. Naeem was caught for 12 this was followed soon after by Baker going, also caught, for 24. Elder brother Michael Naeem hit a few lusty blows making 14 whilst their father Masseh made 19. Young Jack Caine (20) again impressed with some crisp shots, but tried the aerial route one too many times. Rob Willoughby top scored with 30 but for Reed it was all a bit too much. Having kept a good run rate the host eventually ran out of batsmen with the score on 159, a more than respectable total nonetheless.
