Reed III’s continued their Herts League campaign, facing second place Old Elizabethans II’s at Freman College. OE’s, winning the toss, put the home side in to bat. Rob Willoughby (77) and Rhodri Hughes (16) got Reed off to a strong start racking up 63 before Hughes fell victim to Franzini (6-0-41-2). Ben Moody (6) looked steady but soon became Franzini’s second victim. Mike Robertson (51) and Willoughby pushed the score on, until Willoughby was caught off the bowling of Nav Parker (15-0-65-4), Robertson followed soon after, beginning a collapse that saw Tom Nussey (9) and Kieran McKinna (0) added to Parker’s tally. Peter Baker (44*) steadied the ship, playing aggressive strokes, supported by Ian Roberts (10) and a fantastic performance from Jason Pallett (30). Once Pallett had fallen to Luke Sikheri-Peel (6.1-0-33-2) Old Elizabethans made short work of tail enders Matt Giblin (0) and Jake Gifford (0). Reed had posted a respectable 253 in 52.1 overs, giving the visitors a challenging chase.
Reed picked up early wickets as Robertson (12-1-58-1) dismissed J. Akhtar (4) and Ian Roberts (12-1-45-3) took Fidout (26), R. Jones (10) and K Gadhavi (23), leaving the visitors 75 for 4, with a long way to go. S. Parker (101*) and E. Kiddle (66*) rescued the visitors, with a great display of attacking strokes and hard running. After 40.2 overs Old Elizabethans had reached their target, giving them the victory and 30 points. Reed had to settle for 14 points, a great improvement from the previous week, with a promising display from all players.
Report submitted by Michael Robertson.
