Visiting Baldock made a hefty 247 for 6 when they came to Reed in a season closing friendly. Owen Hughes and Sean Tidey had opened for Reed and had done a superb job at keeping the opposition tied down. With the pressure on, Baldock tried hitting their way out of their trouble only to find the waiting hands of Reeds fielders. Hughes claimed three wickets in a superb opening spell.
Things however took a turn for the worse as the visitors took advantage of some indifferent bowling and fielding. None the less Reeds skipper Marcus J.E. Baker had faith that his batting line up could easily chase down their target.
Things did not get started in the right way however with a wicket falling to the first ball of the innings and a second falling soon after. William Heslam showed a steely resilience for his side as he tried to change Reeds fortunes. Heslam was then bowled for 33 by one of Baldocks two quicks. His stubborn, diligent innings proved that runs could be made and the batsman that followed him used his example in scoring. Rob Willoughby (33) and Richard Barlow (20) made useful contributions. However the major effort came from Jack Tidey. Scoring a 6 off his first ball he continued in the same vain with some almost outrageous hitting. The change bowlers were targeted and the boundary found as Tidey went mad. Baker (44) came in at 6 and partnered Tidey in an 81 run stand knocking off the runs. Baker’s prediction of reaching their target was realised thanks to some gutsy batting throughout the order but in particular Tidey. He finished on 94 not out a score made from just 29 scoring shots, including 9 sixes and 5 fours.
