Reed IV were inserted by Preston with an immediate reward, Matt Yates (0) falling second ball. Paul Garrott (89) was a steadying influence throughout the innings being the last wicket to fall, which then resulted in a declaration. Bill Mansfield (18) and Lloyd Bowman (23) were the only other batmen to enter double digits. Mansfield was unlucky, caught on the boundary as the fielder reached overhead. Garrott and Bowman having a mid-innings stand of 49. Runs were always being hard to collect with only 17 boundaries and Reed finishing on 179 for 8 off 40.4 overs. We have to thank Preston for a sumptuous tea.
If runs were hard to collect, so were wickets, Yates and Ed Kershaw opened the bowling and were economical with 39 off the first 11 overs. A change of bowling, saw Steve Hughes collect the wicket of the Preston captain with his first ball. With young Cormac Hosie (5-0-33-1) collecting a wicket in his last over, just displacing the bail. Meanwhile Hughes (12-1-33-3) was bowling economical from the other end, collecting 2 more wickets, one thanks to a catch at mid-off by Bowman. Jack Wilkerson (4-0-19-0) and Sam Rice (4-0-21-0) both had short spells, but remained wicket less. Yates (9-2-20-1) returned for 2 overs and collected a deserved wicket, giving Mansfield his second catch of the game behind the wickets. The game finished as a draw with Preston being 157 for 5 at the close of the match.
An enjoyable match, played in a very good spirit, with Reed certainly having the younger side and earning some needed league points. Thanks again to Jerry Yates for his support, and being the match scorer.
Report submitted by Steve Hughes.
