It proved a poor journey for the third eleven when they travelled away to face Allenburys. For the fourth time in a row Masseh Naeem won the toss but this time in their first away match of the season he chose to insert the hosts.
The Reed side had a strong pace attack which was first displayed by Tom Walsingham and George Garrott. Reed got the early advantage when the usual high standards in the field caused opening bat Wheatley to be run out thanks to Michael Naeem and Kallum Ward. The following over however, then saw a chance missed which would prove to be a costly one. Kent (58) and Knight (63) formed a solid partnership which frustrated the bowlers. The pair put on over a hundred together, however they never really took the game away from Reed. After they were both lost the young visiting side saw their opportunity. A few cameos were made but the wickets were shared amongst the bowlers. Walsingham (1-32), Garrott (1-11) and Naeem (1-34) each took a single wicket whilst Jack Caine (2-44) and Ward (2-33) claimed two. Although Reed did begin to tire in the surprising heat catches were taken by Mike Naeem, Jack Caine, Lewis Fitzgerald and Marcus J.E. Baker who did a good job with the gloves conceding just the single bye. Allenburys finished their innings on 190 for 9 with some late hitting and dashing adding 30.
Reed had lost two quick, cheap wickets in their response before a partnership between Ritchie Barlow and M.J.E. Baker. Baker once again opened the innings and was looking calm and controlled but disaster struck as the ball jagged off the seam and he was bowled for 24. Reed were struggling on 43 for 3 which then became 55 for 5 as the middle order failed to fire. Barlow was then joined in the middle by his captain who refused to roll over. With some powerful strikes Naeem switched the momentum to the visitors favour. However, Allenburys suddenly took back the advantage when both Barlow and Naeem were lost. Number 9 Walsingham started playing some wonderful shots but he too fell to a good catch for 27.
Reed, nontheless, were still in with a chance. Now 9 down Lewis Fitzgerald and Jack Caine were at the crease and with a little over ten overs remaining they only needed 5 an over to win. With the point system and structure of the league, batting out for a draw would have been just as useless and losing so the final pair remained positive as they went about their business including an all run four. However, it proved too much for Reed as Caine was caught with Reed 42 runs shy.
