A youthful Reed IV’s team made the journey down to Mayfield CC on Saturday. Greeted by a very slow outfield and a wicket that looked as if it could deliver a few surprises captain Bowman fancied a bowl and trusted Owen “Iron boots” Hughes (2-8) and Matt Yates (1-33) with the new ball, both returning good figures. Bowman then turned to the spin of Emes (1-31) and unpredictability of Steve Hughes (2-64) and inspired captaincy it was too, Emes striking with just his first ball. Mayfield looked rattled at 43-5 but Kureshi(36), Starck(25) and Patel(42) stuck around and contributed runs to help Mayfield finish on 176 all out.
After teas Reed prepared to bat, opening pair Johnson and R. Willoughby both started well striking boundaries in the first two overs. After that it went somewhat downhill as Reed fell foul to a devastating spell of slow bowling by Cullen (5-14) who dismissed the top four in the space of six balls. Moody, accompanied by talismanic skipper Bowman steadied the ship but a chase never looked on the cards and Reed continued to lose regular wickets ending on a disappointing 60 all out.
Report submitted by Ben Moody.
