No-nonsense Nussey makes sure of victory
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 [...]