Reed’s batsmen ran into form as they cruised to 302-6 against Botany Bay. In a game where five batsmen scored 50’s, Ed Wharton gave them a flying start with a quick-fire 28. Will Heslam then made the first half ton with 52 of his 56 coming in boundaries. A steady partnership of 89 between Richard Wharton (52) and Matt Sampson (59) built the foundations for an imposing total, while Rob Lankester (21) and Tom Greaves (26) added useful runs.
In reply, Reed’s bowlers always had control of the visitor’s innings, despite fine knocks from Shadrach Gittens-Browne (59) and the Hussain brothers – Zawar (56) and Khalid (41). Ed Wharton’s 8 overs cost a meagre 18 runs, while Matt Sampson (5-1-18-2) ensured that the Bay batsmen never managed to keep up with the run rate. An extraordinary final over from Marcus Martin started with two massive maximums and ended with 3 wickets in 4 balls, Rob Lankester pouching the last of his 3 catches on the deep mid-wicket boundary.
Botany Bay were all out for 230 after 46 overs, Reed winning by 72 runs.
Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
