Reed Second XI, Herts League, Division 4B.
Rain showers filled the air as new second team skipper, Ed Garrott started off the side’s 2019 campaign. Ed lost the toss and the opposition, newly promoted Holtwhites Trinibis elected to bowl first.The Reed squad were kept busy, taking the covers on and off between two short rain delays, after which the match was reduced to 46 overs per side. Rich Barlow led from the top, and looked in fine form as he built his innings. Unfortunately Reed lost fellow opener Frenay without scoring, and Jackson soon after to find themselves in a precarious position at 27-2. Barlow and Smith put on just under 50 for the 3rd wicket, rebuilding the Reed innings, whist being kept busy running between the wickets. A slow outfield from the earlier rain meant many balls that would normally have gone for 4, stopped within the ropes. Smith fell to a quick reaction caught & bowled, with the score at 74 for 3.
In at number five came new signing for the season, James Sandford. Sandford took the attack to the Holtwhites bowlers, and played some fine shots including some well struck boundaries, while Barlow also looked to up the run rate at the opposite end. Barlow eventually fell caught, for 75, an innings that perhaps would have amounted to a century in drier conditions.
With a strong squad, Ed Garrott batted himself and Marcus Martin lower down the order. Martin fell cheaply for 6, while Garrott looked in good touch for his 24. Mitchell Cooper hit a quick fire 35 off just 25 balls, with late order support from Ward, and Bowles. Reed ended their innings having posted 238.
Opening the attack for Reed were Ward and Giblin. Ward took the first over down the hill, and found the edge with his second ball to claim Holtwhites’ opener Burgess, thanks to some early away swing. Giblin opened up the hill, and claimed the other opener, bowled with an in-swinger. Both bowlers starting off with wicket maidens, left Holtwhites at 0 for 2.
Both continued to apply the pressure, but the opposition number three began to play some aggressive shots to ease the scoreboard pressure. Giblin held his nerve and claimed Malik LBW with another in-swinging delivery.
Holtwhites fought back, building a partnership of 45 for the fourth wicket. Cooper replaced Giblin (6-2-23-2) up the hill and made use of his extra pace to claim the 4th wicket, caught by Frenay at mid off. Ward continued to bowl out his 10 overs straight, ending with figures of (10-2-52-1). Reed had the upper hand at drinks, with the score at 88 for 4.
Spurred on by the news of both other Reed teams being victorious in their respective games, skipper Garrott brought himself into the attack and quickly claimed a wicket in his second over, (4-1-6-1). Holtwhites never looked like rebuilding from here, and after Cooper claimed his second wicket (6-2-15-2), Reed were into the tail.
On came Matt Bowles to round off proceedings, who found quick success with a slower ball bouncer. Some risky running between the wickets led to run outs from Marcus Martin and Giblin, leaving cool-headed Bowles finishing on 2-0-7-2. Holtwhites ended the day on 105 all out, Reed with a convincing victory by 133 runs.
Match Report submitted by MPG.
