It’s not the type of victory one likes but was certainly more than welcomed to get the 3s’ first 30 points of the season. A second heavy deluge of rain prematurely ended what was shaping into an exciting second innings.
The visiting Shenley Village had won the toss and inserted Reed. Paul Garrott and Rob Willoughby did the hard work in putting together a hundred-run opening stand despite a rain delay. Willoughby (33) eventually fell in the 24th over to be replaced by Martin Johnson (6) before also losing his wicket to the bowling of Darmji. Garrott meanwhile was crafting a crucial knock. The score reached 131 before he picked out gully for 69.
M.J.E. Baker and Rhodri Hughes (15) both new to the crease were just starting to settle in when a poor call from Baker left Hughes short of his ground. It was crucial for another partnership to be formed and Ben Moody stood with his captain superbly. As the innings approached a close, Baker and Moody took greater chances as they approached 200. Baker was bowled for 39. New signing Jean-Marc Maujean (6) batted selflessly for the team whilst Moody (28*) took Reed to 213 for 6.
Despite good spells from Steve Hughes and Jack Childs, Manzi and Mitesh held out against Reed’s opening bowlers. Wickets seem to slip past Reed with chances just out of reach. Meanwhile the visitors were getting themselves into a strong winning position. Maseeh Naeem and Baker slowed up the run rate before both struck with consecutive deliveries putting shock and confusion into the Shenley camp.
But then, rain!
A 45-minute heavy downpour made the pitch and outfield un-playable. The score was 101 for 2 from 24 overs, which left Reed winners by superior run rate.
Report submitted by MJEB.
