Reed 2nd XI stretched their lead at the top of SHCL Division 6 after another convincing win, this time away to Old Cholmeleians.
After overnight rain Marcus Martin had little hesitation in inviting the hosts to bat upon winning the toss. The early signs showed what a good toss to win this was, as the hard new ball was misbehaving on numerous occasions, leading to Reed taking a firm grip of the proceedings from the outset. Youngster Jack Caine was first to strike as he bowled the Cholmeleians opener in only the 4th over. Pete Tidey also caused problems for the home side as he picked up 3 wickets before the returning Rupert Martin soon saw Reed in complete control with the score 28-5.
Some resistance from the Cholmeleians middle order, which coincided with the ball getting older and going softer allowed the home team to edge towards three figures, but the introduction of Reece Fitzgerlad who again picked up a ‘2fa’ after a superb burst from Rupert Martin soon put an end to the innings for only 95. The balding paceman Martin took 4 wickets in this, his first game back after 7 months attempting to grow his hair in the warmer climes of Australia.
In reply Reed’s openers Richard Johnson and Matt Bowles faced an equally tough task against the new ball as the pitch continued to misbehave. Both batsmen were circumspect to begin with before Johnson fell victim to the pitch, gloving the ball through to the ‘keeper. Bowles was looking more fluent and struck some powerful shots before he too was caught, this time to a ball that seemed to get stuck in the pitch for 14. Rob Lankester came in at number 3 and he began stabilising the Reed innings, with Mike Robertson electing to take the game to the hosts from the other end. Robertson soon found joy hitting the ball over the top to race to 18 before he went, going for one big shot too many. Skipper Marcus Martin didn’t last long either as Reed began to wobble at 55-4.
However Lankester and fellow youngster Jack Caine showed maturity beyond their years to put Reed back on track. Caine (21 Not Out) struck the ball well as he found the legside boundary with regularity whilst Lankester (35 Not Out) calmly played the ball all around the wicket to frustrate the bowlers and take Reed past their required total with overs to spare.
The win leaves Reed clear at the top of the table having win 8 of their 9 completed fixtures.
