Playing away to Welwyn Garden City, M.J.E. Baker’s call to bat first looked to be poor one when Stapleton tore through Reed’s top order leaving them 27 for 4.
With disaster looming, Baker, now at the crease, was able to fight back for his side with a charmed innings. Despite a battling knock of 51, when he was lost Reed were still only 72 for 5. Ben Moody, who had stayed with Baker, now took charge and not for the first time this season worked hard with the incoming batsmen in a calm yet positive manner. Zac Conley and Moody took a liking to the bowling and some lofty blows from Conley saw him make his fifty. He could not push on however ending their crucial 95 run partnership.
Replacing Conley was Rupert Martin who was inspired to hit some sumptuous shots. Thanks to the middle order Reed had dug themselves out of trouble and ended posting their highest total of the season finishing on 241 all out. Unfortunately both Martin (45) and Moody (47) were denied deserved fifties.
Early wickets were crucial for Reed’s defence and Martin and Joe Graves duly supplied them. The hosts were in trouble at 54 for 4. Owen Hughes would later claim the fifth wicket. However, the class Emmerton (67 not out) was beginning to find the gaps and Stapleton showed his ability with the bat as their damaging partnership had the potential of creating an upset. But then suddenly a rash call gave Steve Hughes the chance of a lifetime when he threw down the stumps with Stapleton (20) short of his ground. After that the end came soon with Reed winning by 47 runs. Leading the side off was Martin Johnson whose outstanding 4 for 46 had decimated Welwyn supported by good fielding.
Report submitted by MJEB.
