Runs came thick and fast in a high scoring encounter at the Green. The visiting Outlaws had won the toss and inserted Reed. Benefiting with a strong order Jack Tidey was confident of setting an imposing target. Opening was William Heslam and William Mansfield. Both Williams stood firm against the Outlaws bowlers and found ways to penetrate the field before slapping it about to score freely. They had formed a promising partnership when Mansfield was caught for 15. The elder William was replaced by the ever-enthusiastic Rhod Hughes, however he came and went quickly.
43 for 2 was not quite the situation Reed had hoped for but with Mitchell Cooper joining Heslam the momentum moved back into the host’s favour. Big hitting from both saw them add 125 together. Heslam continuing from where he left off the day before looked in imperious form as he closed in on three figures. It was not to be unfortunately as he was caught, just 9 runs shy. Cooper would also be lost shortly after for an impressive 66. Toby Fynn enjoying a chance in the middle order saw the opportunity to play a less aggressive but none the less positive brand of batting. Contributions from the young Richard Stuart and Matt Giblin added to Reed’s ever-increasing total.
However, things went to another level when Tidey came in at number 8 and in partnership with Fynn added 100 runs in the final 8 overs. Tidey was caught in the deep for 73 whilst Fynn worked the ball about to finish un-beaten with 53 classy runs to his name.
322 is not a target easily chased down, but things were becoming worrying as the Outlaws batters refused to go quietly. Brennan made a hundred whilst Haslam made a fifty. However, wickets always seemed to come along at just the right time for Reed. Giblin took two, Steve Hughes one, whilst Heslam (2) and Cooper (1) added a few to go with their runs to show their all-round ability. Outlaws finished on 284 for 6 which under normal circumstances would be a winning score, but instead it left Reed victors by 36 runs.
Report submitted by MJEB.
