At 89-7 chasing 256 Leverstock Green looked dead and buried, but a fighting stand of 94 by the swashbuckling Vallance Morris (43) and the steady Jamie Wallis (30), aided by 25 wides, threatened an amazing comeback in the afternoon heat. However, with the introduction of Ed Wharton, who bowled both of them, claiming 2-34, Reed managed a 50 run victory. Earlier Tom Greaves with 3 wickets, including a stunning diving catch in the outfield by Matt Sampson to remove the dangerous Lewis Koch for a rapid 31, and 2 wickets for Toby Fynn had the opposition on the rack.
In their innings, Reed had accumulated steadily with twenties from Rob Lankester and Sampson, the latter putting on 70 with Zac McGuigan, who made an accomplished 66.Yet when both were removed in successive overs a below par score seemed likely. Step up Stuart Smith, striking 11 boundaries in his 58 together with Marcus Martin (22) in a partnership of 81, which accelerated the innings towards 250. The tail did the rest.
Reed have now won their first four league games this season.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
