How does he do it? ‘Rooty’ 122 not out and 3 for 1 helps in Reed victory
It was a warm and beautiful day at Reed headquarters as Woodcutters made their annual journey to play at The Green. Both sides had struggled to put out their strongest sides, none the less it was a fantastically enjoyable game. Reed were inserted by the visitors and quickly got the scoreboard ticking over. Peter Baker and Bill Mansfield both put the bad balls away as they made a quick 46 run partnership. John Kershaw replaced Baker (20) who had been bowled by one that kept a bit low. He too plundered runs as the boundaries were came thick and fast. On 47 Bill Mansfield tried taking the aerial route once too many times and was caught as the first drinks were taken after 15 overs with the score on 91. Things did not get better for Woodcutters as Rob Lankester strode to the crease. Playing with his now famous patience and skill he found scoring no trouble. A fine knock of 46 by John Kershaw finished when he was trapped LBW. Joe Graves coming in at 5 took the opportunity afforded to him to demonstrate his improved ability with the bat. He and Lankester put on 67 together in a tremendous partnership. Joe was caught for 20 just as the second drinks were taken, the score now 219 for 4 in the 30th. Lankester just did not stop. He persisted in his stylish stroke making and brought up three figures with one of his 22 boundaries. He would finish the innings undefeated with 122 runs to his name, an incredible effort that took Reed to their final total of 283 for 5. It didn’t take long for Reed to take the first wicket in the [...]