Reed III versus Bayford & Hertford Nondescripts II at Bayford on Saturday 27th May 2017.

The Nondes’ opening pair got off to a flyer scoring at 6 an over until Matt Yates (1 for 22) split them. The second wicket added 68 and standing at 123 for 2 at the halfway stage they looked ominously imposing. Maseeh Naeem and Steve Hughes took the pace off the ball and Hughes in particular was rewarded with 2 wickets for 19 from his 10 overs. Toby Emes bowled 9 well-flighted overs taking 1 for 31. Skipper Marcus J.E. Baker brought himself on to bowl the 35th over of the innings and earned 3 for 25 as Bayford proceeded more slowly towards 200. Martin Johnson bowled the last wicket to fall as the hosts closed their innings at 205 for 8. Ben Moody kept well making a stumping and taking a catch. Outfield catches were pouched by M. Baker, Emes, Naeem and Joe Graves and the fielding generally was committed, Jack Childs especially saving crucial runs at extra cover.

On paper, Reed’s top order were all capable of launching a challenging response, but then on the field, the wheels came off! P. Garrott, P. Baker, Johnson and Childs collectively amassed 3 runs and Ben Moody soon followed. By the 9th over, Reed were reeling at 24 for 5 when Matt Yates joined MJEB at the crease. Sweeping leg-side deliveries and driving through the off side when not defending resolutely, Yates kept MJEB company for 32 overs whilst they accumulated 119 runs together; a new record 6th wicket partnership for the 3rd XI. Baker went from 99 to 100 thanks to a dropped catch in the outer. Shortly afterwards, a tiring Yates was unable to make his ground when MJEB called for a 2 and was out for 26. Maseeh Naeem hit a swift 14 but was out when the score was 175 in the 46th over and Joe Graves came and went for 5. MJEB judiciously swiped his way to 133 before being caught on the boundary. 196 for 9 with 9 deliveries remaining. With last man Steve Hughes for company, Toby Emes scored a 2 then a 1 to retain strike, then hit another 2 taking Reed past 200. But an off-drive stayed ariel for a yard too long and he was caught and Reed were all-out for 201 leaving a relieved Bayford winners by 4 runs.

Reed III (15 points) lost to Bayford & Hertford Nondescripts II (30 points) by 4 runs.

Report by PGB.