Chris Jackson signed off his wonderful First XI career by top scoring in Reed’s innings. In a game with nothing to play for: Reed would finish fourth and Chorleywood would be relegated whatever the result, Reed struggled at first on a difficult track, but Rob Lankester (25) and Jackson (38) put on 55 for the third wicket to help them to 111-4. However, the introduction of Ryan Evans (4-29), who destroyed them with 9 wickets on The Green earlier this season, induced a collapse. As a result, only a disciplined 21 by Ed Wharton brought up a total of 155 from 47 overs.
When Chorleywood replied, Jack Tidey (2-7) and Ed Wharton (2-30) reduced them to 36-4, but skipper, Scott Aspinall (53) led the fight back and at 96-5 the game was in the balance, despite Stuart Smith (1-30) capturing his first league wicket of the season. However, with the introduction of spin, Chorleywood capitulated to Tom Greaves (3-19) – aided by two fine catches from Stuart Smith on the long on boundary and Rob Lankester (2-2).
In a fitting finale, even Chris Jackson turned his arm for one over as Reed won by 23 runs. Thus Reed finished their campaign with a flourish, frustratingly short of a tilt at promotion.
Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
