The heat was out in force and it was more a day for working on ones tan rather than chasing a cricket ball around The Green, which was what in store for the very young Reed side. Despite the difficult conditions Reeds youngster stood up to the challenge with great enthusiasm. At one point Reeds opponents Outlaws could easily gone way past 300 so for the home side to restrict them to 253 is a testament to their hard efforts.
George Garrott had started coming down the hill and had the ball hopping in along way and picked up the wickets of both Outlaws openers. Meanwhile, coming up the hill Tom Nussey followed by Jonathan and then George Adams each gave a good try but the visitors middle order started to plunder runs.
Sharma and Brennon both reached their half centuries and were set to continue when Ed Kershaw and his well flighted leg spin removed Sharma for 64. Coupled with Tom Walsingham’s own wicket Reed started to fight back. Toby Emes, also bowling leggies, then ripped through Outlaws lower order picking up four wickets for just 16.
In response Reed knew that good partnerships were critical to chasing down what usually would be only a par score. Paul Garrott and Tom Nussey set the perfect example and platform. The experience of Garrott mixed with the eagerness of the young Nussey produced a 55 run opening stand. Unfortunately after Garrott was bowled for 22 Nussey was shortly afterwards run out for a fantastic 30. George Adams gave a valiant attempt at number 4 but was also bowled. Reeds strong middle order then started to improve the situation first in the guise of the Rob Lankaster, Marcus J.E. Baker partnership. Reeds wicketkeeper and captain worked effectively at putting the bad ball away. Both were looking set when a mix up left Lankaster run out for a classy 35. Baker persisted now with Walsingham who hit the ball cleanly and picked up good runs, especially straight past the bowler.
Into the last quarter and Reed were still 70 runs adrift, Baker had got himself to 44 but was running out of puff and found boundaries not very forthcoming. His relief in the form George Garrott played the situation perfectly with good running and several big scoring shots. He and Walsingham kept Reed very much in the fight but with Garrott’s loss for 20 came the loss of hope. Walsingham brought up his half century and finished undefeated for 53.
Although a loss Reed still put in plenty of fight in both innings and showed great character. Not to mention the defeat was only by a margin of 23 and Outlaws had lost more wickets.
