A mixed Reed team travelled away to Welwyn Garden City IIs on Sunday for a friendly. Reed captain Marcus Martin won the toss and chose to bat in the chilly and blustery conditions.
Reed got off to a positive start with Matt Bowles and Richard Johnson playing a fine array of shots to get Reed off to a flyer. The pair put on 50 for the 1st wicket, when speedster Wiles held on brilliantly to a sharp caught and bowled chance to remove Bowles (9). WGC bowler Meyer was then introduced into the attack and took the wickets of Swain (6) and Naeem (5).
However the brilliant Johnson was playing magnificently, and soon reached 50 as he was joined by Bobby Coston at the crease. The pair hit the Welwyn bowlers all around the park, with Johnson reaching a superb 110 before he was given out LBW by umpire George Daws. Coston continued his good form, finishing on 77 Not Out, ably assisted by a few lusty blows from Graham Hazard (10) and a contribution from captain M Martin (4 Not Out). Reed closed their 50 overs on 248 for 5.
In reply Reeds opening bowlers Rupert Martin and youngster Mitchell Cooper, restricted Welwyns progress with some superb line and length bowling. Cooper then had Meyer caught in stunning fashion by Marcus Martin.
A decent partnership between Watkins and Stansfield then followed, until Reed all-rounder Karl Ward had Stansfield caught behind by keeper Hazard. Ward then took 3 more quick wickets with some special bowling, ripping through the Welwyn middle order to leave WGC in a precarious position.
WGC opener Watkins remained however, and reached a good 50 after taking a liking to Marcus Martins medium pacers before he was the victim of a lighting run out involving Naeem and Hazard. This left the task of moping up the Welwyn tail to Naeem, who took 3 wickets with some crafty off spin, and Swain who took the wicket of Loville for a duck.
Welwyn Garden City IIs finished on 145 All Out giving Reed a morale boosting 103 run victory.
Captain Marcus Martin was delighted with his teams performance we was well good
