Reed IV versus Old Owens III at Coopers Lane, Potters Bar, on Saturday 4th June 2016.

“Tails never fails” for Reed skipper Lloyd Bowman when he once more called correctly at the toss then inserted the hosts at Old Owens’ second pitch. With a touch of moisture in the surface, Jake Gifford extracted some lively bounce as Old O’s progressed quietly to 27 when he had Patel edging behind to Bowman at the end of the ninth over. Fellow opening bowler, Steve Hughes, was almost unplayable as the cautious batsmen were keen to preserve their wickets. However, Martin Johnson struck with his first delivery when Peter Baker snaffled one in the slips and Jack Wilkerson bowled Tyler for 23. Soon after, Sam Karr took an excellent low-down catch at extra cover off Johnson’s bowling leaving Owens at 70 for 4 at drinks. There then followed an extraordinary period of play as Jonny Adam proceeded to claim 4 victims in just 3 overs thanks to fine catches by Paul Garrott and Wilkerson and two more batsmen clean bowled. Now at 89 with their last pair at the crease, the O-O’s captain, Alan Hunter required support from last man, Tony Palmer. He did precisely that and it took a further 11 overs before Palmer was removed for a well-made 20, caught off an under-edge by keeper, Bowman, from Wilkerson’s bowling. Crucially the partnership was worth 82 and Hunter remained undefeated on 66. Reed required 172 for victory.

The experienced Paul Garrott and Peter Baker opened the innings but were soon split when Garrott was caught behind the wicket when the score was on 19. This brought the entrance of the hard-hitting Bill Mansfield and he and Baker took the score to 105 when he fell for 46 then Baker soon afterwards for 47. Each had hit 7 boundaries but the double set-back put pressure on Reed’s numbers 4 and 5. Twenty-one overs remained with 62 required, but in this crucial period, it was significant that Old Owen’s attack had been depleted when Keenan had broken down with a knee injury and was unable to bowl and the accurate Martin and Achilini had bowled their quotas. Young Tom Nussey took full advantage reaching the boundary 10 times accompanied by Martin Johnson in a very supportive role. Now at 171 for 3 in the 28th over and needing just 1 to win, Nussey was on 48 not out. Resisting the temptation of a single, Johnson sent Nussey back, who then dispatched the next delivery for 4 thus winning the match and bringing-up his own half century. Reed had won by 7 wickets.

This result puts Reed IV at a creditable 2nd position in their Division at the end of the first batch of the Limited Overs Format matches. Next Saturday, for the mid-summer period, the match format for all divisions in the Herts League will be Timed Matches where draws are a possible outcome.

Reed IV (30 points) beat Old Owens III (10 points) by 7 wickets.

Report submitted by Peter G. Baker.