Having lost to Aston earlier in the season playing away, it was nice to get some revenge when it came to Reed’s turn to host. Asked to bowl first Reed attacked with the pace of Joe Graves coming down the hill and applied the pressure with Neil Haslam coming up. Haslam made the breakthrough whilst Graves was unlucky not to come away with a wicket despite some fine bowling.
Rhodri Hughes may have been surprised to be asked to be first change bowler but it proved an inspired move as his three-over spell produced three fantastic wickets. Cormac Hosie and Sam Rice then bowled in tandem during the middle overs. Both got the ball to spin and made trouble for the Aston batsman. Hosie unfortunately went wicketless whilst Rice claimed 2 for 27. Owen and Steve Hughes then finished things off for Reed, Owen claiming 2 for 5 and Steve 1 for 7.
With a target of 170 Reed needed a good start. Jack Childs and veteran Peter Baker started well and were beginning to look settled for a long partnership. Unfortunately Howes bowled Childs for 15, followed swiftly by two more cheap wickets. Reed captain Marcus J.E. Baker came to the crease at 33 for 3 but soon lost his father for 21.
Needing help in restarting the Reed innings Rhodri Hughes duly provided the support. Both played smart cricket as they put on 61 for fifth wicket. Looking to up the ante R. Hughes (14) tried a slog sweep that brought about his downfall. Replacing him was younger brother Owen. Looking in fine touch he played a patient innings. Playing the drive and cut well in particular he helped Reed get over the line with 6 overs to spare. Owen Hughes finished 30 not out whilst M.J.E. Baker finished 57 not out.
Report submitted by MJEB.
