After a solid opening partnership of 43 between Ed Wharton (19) and Will Heslam (28), the Firsts seemed to be slipping to their customary collapse at 100 for 6, with Sri Lankan spinner, Ruwarisiri bagging 5 scalps. However this time the lower order stood up to be counted. Kallum Ward started the momentum with an aggressive 23, followed by some determined stroke play from Sean Tidey (26) and top scorer, Jack Caine (37). To cap a heartening display, 15 year old Sam Osborne on debut built a chanceless, classy, innings of 36, ably assisted by Toby Fynn (20) as the tenth wicket thwarted the spin attack to the tune of 49 unbeaten runs. 225-9 was a creditable score after so many mediocre batting displays this season.
Once again Ed Wharton struck early trapping keeper Millard without scoring and having Bamford caught behind by Tidey, but then Reed ran up against another powerful Asian middle order. Ahmed (81) first with Ruwansiri (42) and then Randhawa (43) built two substantial partnerships making the outcome inevitable. Nevertheless, Osborne sneaked one past the skilful Ruwansiri and Wharton, toiling tirelessly in the heat, had two more victims caught by Stuart Smith and Tidey to finish with excellent figures of 16-2-50-4.
It was left to captain Lewis to strike the winning runs with 10 overs remaining.
Reed gained 9 bonus points, their largest haul of the season so far, but such gallant performances are reaping scant reward for their efforts.
Match report submitted by Peter Wholley.
