Preston Away

Skippered by Tom Greaves, Reed lost the toss and were asked to bat. Sean Tidey and Richard Johnson opened up for Reed and made a positive start, with Tidey timing the ball nicely, albeit mostly straight at the opposition fielders, much to their dismay. Johnson was a little more reserved, and was unfortunate to get a ball that ‘stopped’ on him a little as he dollied up a catch to mid on, for a change.

Marcus Martin joined Tidey at the crease, and used his small frame to his advantage as he was able to ignore the blustery wind far more effectively than many of his team mates. Tidey eventually perished on 20 whilst trying to hit the ball at a passing plane. Tom Greaves, Mitchell Cooper, Tim Tidey and Richard Barlow all failed to add significantly to the total, leaving Martin to patiently cut and cut his way to a well made 38, before he was deceived by a straight delivery that he left onto middle stump.

This left Reed in some trouble with only one wicket left, and barely 120 on the board, however debutant u15 Rob Lankester and his significantly more experienced batting partner Tom Walsingham (u17) demonstrated to the rest of the team how to build a partnership as they stroked the ball around magnificently. Lankester eventually finishing 30 not out when Walsingham fell. Reed all out for a competitive looking 177.

After demolishing the notoriously excellent Preston teas, Reed’s players threw on their 3 jumpers each and made their way onto the cold, blustery outfield in a manner resembling a number 11 batsmen trudging out to face the 1980’s West Indian pace quartet.

Tom Walsingham and Mitchell Cooper opened the bowling for Reed and both bowled with decent pace, however both found Preston’s openers imperious as no early breakthrough was made and boundaries were found. Cooper then suffered an ankle niggle and was replaced in the attack by usually 1st team wicket keeper Sean Tidey. Tidey bowled reasonably well, especially compared to Cooper.

Skipper Greaves turned to his spin attack to turn the tide for Reed, and this tactic proved to be a masterstroke. Marcus Martin and Rob Willoughby tore through the Preston upper and middle order, leaving them reeling. Willoughby was especially successful, snaring 3 wickets as the ball began to spin and bounce. Martin supported him well, picking up crucial wickets at key times with his awkward low trajectory reeking havoc. Greaves then decided to bring himself on, and continued his excellent recent form in Sunday friendlies, by taking 3 wickets in 8 balls, and not conceding a single run.

Preston all out for 103 as Reed win by 74 runs.