With July making way for August Reed were looking for a Sunday win which had eluded them for the last few weeks. Reed hosted Woodcutters at the Green with captain Marcus J.E. Baker having no doubts about batting first having won the toss.
This confident call was soon questioned as both of Reeds openers played on in the first two overs without scoring. Baker joined number 3 Fergus Martin at the wicket and the pair started the innings again. Both played freely and scored clean, precise shots making a partnership of fifty without much difficulty. However, just as Reed seemed to be stabilising things 3 wickets fell in quick succession including Martin (23) and Baker (28), leaving Reed struggling on 78 for 5.
A partnership was very much called for and one was provided by Ben Moody and Jack Tidey, both showing their abilities as all-rounders. A controlled innings by Tidey, who took the lead, was supported fantastically by Moody. Both waited for the bad ball with patience and put pressure on the opposition with outstanding running. This running was best displayed in an all run 5 without any over throws, a superb feat. In 17 overs they added 113 runs when Moody fell for 41 just short of what would have been a well deserved maiden 50. Owen Hughes chipped in 7 but sacrificed his wicket for the cause looking for quick runs whilst Tidey closed in on three figures. Needing 11 from the last over he was only able to get one maximum away as Reed finished with a total of 229 for 7. Tidey’s 95 not out being a great demonstration of sensible batting.
After teas Hughes once again opened coming down the hill whilst Baker took the interesting gamble to attack at the other end with the spin of Sam Rice. The combination proved devastating. Whilst the opposition was bogged down by Hughes, Rice tied them in knots. Rice bowled his full eight overs and looked in his best form to date. He floated and landed his deliveries with guile before turning the ball sharply and with Bakers attacking field Rice finished with 4 fantastic wickets for just 23. Hughes too claimed a wicket thanks to the safe hands of Fergus Martin which also came about due to the pressure put on the batsman.
With Hughes and Rice finishing their spells have claimed 5 wickets for just 39 between them the opportunity was right to bring on Pippa Wisdom and Toby Emes. Wisdom gave a fine account for herself with good line and length whilst Emes was showing his own abilities at spinning out the opposition. He also claimed 4 wickets from his eight overs, another fine spinning prospect for the future. With the opposition now 9 down for 91 and a large crowd observing from the boundary with still 10 overs to see out, Baker rotated his bowlers as all but one of the Reed side turned their arm over. Woodcutters finished still 9 down but 115 runs adrift.
