A fine batting display from Paul Garrott (97 no) and John Kershaw (92 no) ensured Reed 4s pick up maximum points on a wonderful Saturday afternoon at Freman. Captain Rob Willoughby won the toss and took the decision to bowl, as knowing his team were not going to get relegated he wanted victory to push Reed into promotion contention.
Openers Joe Graves (8-1-28-0) and Steve Hughes (4-0-22-0) bowled tightly but knowing that anything slightly loose would speed away in the lightning outfield. Graves especially was unlucky not to get a wicket, but with not much happening off the pitch there was no help for the bowlers. Jack Childs 11-1-51-1) and Willoughby (18-0-64-2) were the change bowlers but again although bowling without conceding a huge amount of runs, struggled to get much out of the pitch. Willoughby picked up his two with a caught and bowled and a sharp stumping from keeper Chris West. Childs getting his thanks to a catch in the deep by the ever reliable Scott Caine.
Veteran bowler Pete Baker (5-0-33-1) picked up the only other wicket with a catch from Garrott. Credit must also be given to the Old Owens skipper Hunter who carried his bat for 103 no. Hunter took his side to 202 for 4 declaring one over early at 46 overs.
In reply Garrott and Baker (10) looked very comfortable going at an impressive run rate due to the very fast outfield. Baker was extremely unlucky to be caught at slip by a one handed diving catch from the most athletic of the Old Owens fielders! This only brought John Kershaw to the crease. Garrott and Kershaw have wildly contrasting techniques when batting. Garrott a more classical opener whilst Kershaw bludgeons the hell out of anything short. Both were equally effective with Kershaw bringing up his half century first, with Garrott soon after. Both then continued into the 90s without giving a chance. Unfortunately for both there were not enough runs to get their centuries. Reed knocked off the runs finishing on 205 for 1 in 36.4 overs.
