The Reed faithful were treated to an exciting game when Reed hosted Ashwell at The Green. It was the first time for several years that Reed had played Ashwell and both sides fielded young and eager teams.
The visiting captain won the toss and elected to bat first. A decision he may have regretted when third ball of Ashwell’s innings he was clean bowled by Matt Giblin coming down the hill. Reed proceeded to remove a further two wickets and cut off the runs. Giblin superb spell of 2 for 15 from his 7 overs was well supported by Jack Childs who had started bowling up the hill. First change bowlers Joe Graves and Ed Kershaw continued in the same ilk. Kershaw’s well flighted leg spin looked threatening and was unlucky not to take a wicket. In fact a partnership was starting to be formed between Clark (49) and Deal (49*). A bowling change after the drinks break brought about an end to the stalemate. Scott Caine took two in an over and conceded just 6 runs in his short spell. The final few wickets were shared amongst Kallum Ward (2-0), Owen Hughes (1-10) and a returning Joe Graves (2-26).
Reed kept to their usual high standards in the field with some committed saves and catches backing up the bowlers all of which created a difficult time for Ashwell who finished their innings on a bellow par 130 all out.
In response Ashwell stood up to the challenge of defending their score with gusto as Reed’s batsman failed to get themselves in. Only Kallum Ward, opening for Reed, looked able to stand up to the visiting attack. Ward hit cleanly to 50 but then fell the very next ball leaving Reed on 76 for 4. A defeat then seemed the inevitable result as a procession of wickets followed. However, things were not quite done for Reed. Matt Giblin started to counter attack with some beautiful drives back down the wicket as he and Jack Childs chipped away at the target. Giblin looked in the form of his life and took Reed within touching distance before another twist in the story saw him bowled for 27. Joe Graves joined Childs and the young pair worked together playing sensible shots combined with good running. Childs (5*) and Graves (6*) took Reed over the line giving them the two wickets win.
Despite the low scores it was an entertaining match in which everyone participated and worked well together, especially in the field.
