Week 10 of the League season was the start of the return matches. In week 1 on the Freman Oval, Frogmore had been dismissed for 41 and a relatively strong Reed Third team had won by 10 wickets. This time, Frogmore showed much more steel as they reached a more imposing 192 for 9 in their 45 overs. Tony Albon was the backbone of the innings with 84 not out. Steve Hughes and Matt Yates had taken 2 wickets each before Mike Robertson, showing more control, bagged 3 for 29 in 7 overs. There was even time for PG Baker to add a wicket to his tally in his first spell of bowling in a League match for 4 seasons.

Without last week’s centurion, Richard Johnson, (promoted), and his fellow opener, Rob Willoughby, (unavailable), who between them had accrued almost 160 runs, the Reed innings began with Paul Garrott and Baker and they scored almost 13 runs (well, 12 actually)! Stepping-up once more was Mike Robertson at number 3 who in partnership with Rhodri Hughes, (23), put-on 109 for the third wicket. The momentum was with Reed and Jon Braine (5) supported Robertson by adding a further 36 together. But at 164 with still another 29 required both fell, Robertson immediately after reaching his second century of the season. There followed a period of 8 overs when only 9 runs were scored and one more wicket lost. Reed were definitely under pressure. Then inexplicably, Readings who at that stage had figures of 0 for 13 off 6 overs (including three maidens), bowled a wide then two high full-tosses (both hit to the boundary by Joe Graves) and conceded another four and Reed were almost home on 189 for 6 with 4 more runs required. But there was another twist as Graves departed in the next over for 12. However, Owen Hughes (7 not out) hit a two then in the 42nd over he and Matt Yates scampered 2 byes leaving Reed victors.

Reed have a bit of catching-up to do to be in contention for promotion this year, positioned fifth and 52 points adrift of the leaders, Bentley Heath, but could push teams in between with just under half the season remaining.

Reed III (30 points) beat Frogmore II (13 points) by 3 wickets.

Match Report submitted by PGB.