Third placed Reed II won the toss and batted first on a good Reed wicket. However, overhead conditions helped the bowlers and the Reed openers found the early stages hard going.
Division leaders Dunstable showed why they were worthy of their position but eventually Richard Johnson started to find the gaps and runs started to come slowly but surely. However, Johnson’s (17) wicket followed soon after by two more saw Reed struggling at 54 for 3 from 24 overs. The innings found some life with the partnership of Marcus Martin and Marcus J.E. Baker who took their time to stabilise the situation. Waiting for the bad balls the two Cus’s put on 55 together and were just starting to look to lift the run rate when the Reed skipper departed for 32. Meanwhile, Baker hung around looking untroubled but was gradually tiring. Trying to rack up boundaries he picked out the deep wicket fielder for 45.
Good knocks by Jack Caine (27) and Karl Ward (13*) helped Reed get to 171 for 8. A total perhaps that was perhaps below par but nonetheless a total that was defendable.
The visiting openers were positive in the chase but break through wickets from Peter Tidey and Karl Ward made things interesting. Both Ward (1-32) and Tidey (1-50) slogged their guts out followed by Marcus Martin (2-25) but found that any pressure they tried to build was quickly released by some sloppy and lazy fielding un-worthy of Reed. Nevertheless things were tense and if the Reed bowlers could prise these wickets it would be a crucial win that could really open-up the division. But it was not to be, 171 was surpassed with Reed losing by 5 wickets.
Report submitted by MJEB.
