It was a game of two standout openers’ batting performances. Initially, Richard Wharton carried his bat for a sparkling 125, but he was then matched by Sawbridgeworth’s experienced no.1, Danny Wilson, agonisingly out in the penultimate over for 98. However, he had almost single-handedly saved the game for Sawbridgeworth, who ended on 167-7, facing Reed’s imposing 290-7.
Wharton was well supported by his brother, Ed’s, quick-fire 32 (7 boundaries) and in-form Matt Sampson’s 30, but the bed-rock of the innings was a partnership of 118 between him and Rob Lankester (63). The latter produced his usual array of strokes, including his trademark reverse sweep. The habitual clatter of wickets followed as Reed racked up their highest total this year.
Facing this challenge, Sawbridgeworth were never in the hunt with wickets falling regularly, but Wilson found support from Kafi Khan and Matt Billings as Tom Greaves tried 8 bowlers in a desperate attempt to force a win, one of whom lasted just 5 balls before two ‘beamers’ forced him off! Karl Ward again caught the eye with 11-3-27-3.
A second ‘winning draw’ in a row gained 16 points for Reed.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
