Reed 2nd XI were in-form having won their last four games, however came unstuck at Stevenage 2nd XI after a disappointing batting display.
Reed won the toss and chose to bat and the decision proved the correct one as Reed’s openers made the most of an excellent batting surface and quick outfield. Richard Johnson (25) was the first wicket to fall after the 50 run partnership came up in the 9th over. Phil Frenay (46) was the next man to depart with the score on 106. Stevenage’s spinners then began to pull the game back in the home side’s favour. A number of the middle order batsmen made starts but no one was able to support Chris Jackson who fell for 50. A patient, invaluable knock from Matt Bowles (27) enabled Reed to pass the 200 run mark, finally finishing 213 all out, at least 30 or 40 runs below par.
In response, Stevenage’s openers made a steady start before Owen Hughes (2-0-10-1) made the breakthrough. However it wasn’t a day for seam bowling and Reed soon turned to spin to halt Stevenage’s advance. Reed’s answer to Samit Patel, “Mattis” Bowles (10-2-28-3) bowled beautifully in conjunction with Ed Garrott but despite wickets falling fairly regularly, without being able to apply much scoreboard pressure, and an excellent innings of 81 not out from Stevenage’s number 3, Stevenage cruised home comfortable winners by 4 wickets.
Match Report submitted by Phil Frenay.
