Reed Firsts produced their best batting display of the season at Broxbourne, but still lost by six wickets.
Their innings was given momentum by a century second wicket partnership between Kallum Ward (88) and Rob Lankester (44). The former was in his usual aggressive form hitting 10 boundaries, whilst Lankester was striking the ball beautifully until the wind caught a well timed drive that was brilliantly caught on the boundary. Ward perished in similar fashion, leaving Jack Caine (38 not out) to continue his form from last week, well supported by Sam Osborne, Vibes Gadhvi and Sean Tidey. 246 for 5 seemed a good total, but on a benign pitch it did not prove sufficient.
Broxbourne’s opening stand of 139 between Kegan Eales and Alex O’Sullivan (51) was ended when Lankester caught the latter off his own bowling. Hopes were raised when Sam Osborne had Eales stumped by Ward with his second ball on an agonising 99 and immediately had captain George Davies caught for a duck. However, Connor Ridley made a rapid 50 despite the best efforts of the Reed bowlers to contain him. Indeed Reed bowled well on such an easy paced wicket: Julien Fynn only going for 46 from 15 consecutive overs either side of tea and William Heslam picking up the other wicket to fall.
Overall, Reed’s best performance so far giving encouragement for some victories in the second half of the season.
Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
