Two teams struggling for form met on the Cokenach Estate and Preston emerged victorious by 150 runs.
Despite Julien Fynn removing the dangerous Ed Wharton early on, the away team took charge with a mammoth 253 run partnership between Daniel Scholz (115) and Philip Simpson (108), although the latter was given three lives. Pete Gooden then struck 45 from just 19 balls, so Preston finished on the impressive total of 335 for 4. Nevertheless, Matt Giblin took 3 for 59 from his 10 overs.
Reed stuttered again at first, until Chris Jackson, making a welcome return to the Firsts, scored a stylish 54 and was well supported by Jack Caine, who compiled 60 runs in composed fashion. Thereafter, the innings succumbed to spin, despite some aggressive batting from Stuart Smith, Mike Robertson and Toby Fynn. Max Anderson (5-33) and Peter Murrell (3-67) were responsible for their downfall as Reed still seek their first win of the season.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
