Reed 1st XI travelled to bottom of the table Dunstable Town on Saturday and proved that the quality of teams in the Saracens Premier League Championship is very even.
Reed won the toss and inserted Dunstable on a very good wicket and large outfield. Dunstable got off to a flying start as the Reed bowlers failed to hit their lengths. After 10 overs, Dunstable were 58 without loss and Captain Tom Greaves was forced to bring himself on far earlier than usual. Greaves (20 overs, 1 maiden, 63 runs and 2 wickets) stemmed the flow of runs, supported by Ian Osborne (12-1-60-3). However opener Matthews could not be budged and batted until he was run out for 122 in the 59th over. Dunstable were finally bowled out for 264 on the last ball of the 60th over.
On such a good wicket, given their position high up in the League, Reed could be confident of chasing the score down in their maximum of 55 overs. However, opening bowler Lee Cherry and his brother had other ideas. Bowling an immaculate line and length at brisk pace, Lee took 6 for 61 in 16 overs, supported by off spinning brother S.Cherry, (11.2-5-26-3), to blow Reed’s batting away. Only Rob Lankester, (23), Sean Tidey, (29) Ed Wharton, (29 not out), and Ian Osborne, (31), demonstrated any resistance.
Reed host top of the table Letchworth this coming weekend and will have to demonstrate much more discipline and fight if they are to prevail.
Report submitted by RMR.
Heads up guys. No place for gloom and doom. Dunstable were bound to come good at one point. They have some good players. Letchworth, although top of the league, have struggled the last four / five weeks with players away. Your standards have been good over the last two seasons some come on – play to your standards and you never know. Don’t think about giving up before you start. Fight.
Let’s hope for a good competitive match played in good spirit.
Regards
Shep (one of your umpires for Saturday)