Having run through their previous opponents, visitors Shenley Village once again elected to bowl first, having won the toss. However, they found things harder going as Paul Garrott and Rob Willoughby made a spirited start. Garrott was looking in good early form making 16. Mike Robertson replaced him after he was bowled with the score on 43. Robertson set about things quickly exploiting the pace of the bowlers and the speed of the outfield. In no time he had multiple boundaries to his name. He raced to 32 before falling LBW.
Meanwhile, Willoughby kept steady and at no point looked like being under pressure. Marcus J.E. Baker supported Willoughby as he delivered. It had been due for some time, but a drive through the covers gave Willoughby his maiden century. A day to remember! He would carry his bat taking Reed to a score of 255 for 4. Baker 45 and Zac Conley 28 not out, helping out.
Early wickets to Toby Emes and Kieran McInna put the pressure on the visitors but in Elliot and Williams Reed faced two of the best batsman in the division. It took time and patience but Maseeh Naeem was able to dislodge Williams for 22. Steve Hughes started where he left off from last season with another fantastic spell, he was able to pick up two wickets with aid of magical catches by Garrott and his son Rhodri. Elliot was always a risk but when he fell for 89 it gave Reed the advantage and they were not going throw it away. Superb ground fielding in the deep stopped the boundaries and also brought around two run outs. As Reed saw off the last few wickets one fell to Willoughby and two to Baker as the hosts won by 13 runs.
Report submitted by MJEB.
