Reed got off to a winning start at Freman College against a spirited Harpenden side. Reed elected to bat first; Baz Curtis and Richard Johnson’s opening partnership of 121 set the home side up for a big total. Both batsmen scored quickly and the Harpenden bowlers were going at a rate of 7.5 runs an over after the first ten overs had been bowled.
Johnson was the first to reach his 50 but finally fell in the 17th over after scoring 70. Ian Fulk (23) went in at three and shared a partnership of 23 before Curtis was given out LBW after scoring 54. Rob Lankaster, the young wicket keeper batsman, went in at four and produced a man of the match innings. He finished on 74 not out, his score included 14 boundaries. Ray Kingshot, Roddi Leibenberg and Marcus Baker helped take the Reed score to 270 for 6 declared after 47 overs.
The score was always going to be too much for the visitors but to their credit they did try. Reeds opening attack of Tom Walsingham and Toby Fynn bowled with pace and control, although Fynn took some punishment in his first two overs going for 22 before getting the Harpenden opener with a short delivery. Walsingham was very economical and finished with 3 – 14 after 10 overs. Fynn only conceded 6 runs after his first two overs and finished with 3 – 28 after 7 overs. Maseeh Naeem picked up 4 – 38 in his eight over spell and the Harpenden innings ended on 166 all out after 37 overs.
