Jonno’s back!
Reed Sunday XI versus Outlaws CC at Reed on Sunday 3rd June 2018. Outlaws showed their usual collective batting ability as S Brennan, (43), R Sharma, (27), G Saffrey, (44) and S Haslam, (66 not out), constructed a useful, but not overbearing, 208 for 5 in their 40 overs. Matt Giblin went wicket-less but bowled a good spell nonetheless, and he took a catch and ran-out Brennan when he was looking to go big. Adam Gardner bowled his full quota of 8 overs in two spells taking a credible 1 for 33. Debutant, Khalid Maidan took his first wicket for the club and Ross Gardner spun his way to 2 for 49. Reed’s opening pair reached 48 in reasonable time before P Baker was caught for 16 then number 3, Rhodri Hughes (21) partnered the returning Richard Johnson to 94 for 2. By this time “Jonno” was showing pain from an ankle injury and his running was not as speedy as usual, but when his timing was on-song, his boundary shots were silkily fluid. As wickets fell, it was clear that Reed would not be able to overhaul Outlaws’ total in the diminishing number of overs but the interest was whether Johnson would reach his century before the innings ended. On 90 with 2 deliveries remaining, he sent a skyer down towards the Village Hall but was caught inside the boundary. He left with a smile on his face. This left Reed on 185 for 9 and 23 runs short. Report by PGB.
Runs Galore In High Scoring Victory
Runs came thick and fast in a high scoring encounter at the Green. The visiting Outlaws had won the toss and inserted Reed. Benefiting with a strong order Jack Tidey was confident of setting an imposing target. Opening was William Heslam and William Mansfield. Both Williams stood firm against the Outlaws bowlers and found ways to penetrate the field before slapping it about to score freely. They had formed a promising partnership when Mansfield was caught for 15. The elder William was replaced by the ever-enthusiastic Rhod Hughes, however he came and went quickly. 43 for 2 was not quite the situation Reed had hoped for but with Mitchell Cooper joining Heslam the momentum moved back into the host's favour. Big hitting from both saw them add 125 together. Heslam continuing from where he left off the day before looked in imperious form as he closed in on three figures. It was not to be unfortunately as he was caught, just 9 runs shy. Cooper would also be lost shortly after for an impressive 66. Toby Fynn enjoying a chance in the middle order saw the opportunity to play a less aggressive but none the less positive brand of batting. Contributions from the young Richard Stuart and Matt Giblin added to Reed's ever-increasing total. However, things went to another level when Tidey came in at number 8 and in partnership with Fynn added 100 runs in the final 8 overs. Tidey was caught in the deep for 73 whilst Fynn worked the ball about to finish un-beaten with 53 classy runs to his name. 322 is not a target easily chased down, but things were becoming worrying as the Outlaws batters refused to go quietly. [...]
Lankester leads from the front; 127 not out
I have in my possession a small book published in 1906 entitled "Don’ts for Cricketers". Under the section on captaincy it includes the entry ‘Don’t Appoint as a captain a man from these three classes: a) nervous and excitable men; b) dull and apathetic men; c) bowling captains, with an aversion to seeing anybody bowl but themselves.’ Knowing this Marcus J.E. Baker asked Rob Lankester if he fancied a go leading the Sunday friendly eleven. What was to come was one of the best captain's knocks ever seen for the club. Lankester had won the toss and inserted the opposition, Outlaws. A fantastic opening spell from Joe Graves saw him remove two early wickets. A third wicket partnership between C. Scutt and G. Saffery fought back and both men looked settled at the crease. Both had the potential to hang about and make big scores but an edge from Saffrey (48) was gladly accepted by Baker at first slip. Graham Stuart having broken this partnership followed up by bowling the number 5, second ball. C. Scutt continued at the same tempo having got passed 50 but Lankester was able to remove him trapping him in front for 74. Baker bowling at the other end took two wickets, one bowled and one caught behind by Rhodri Hughes. Outlaws finished on a competitive 205 for 7. In response John Kershaw and Rhodri Hughes attacked the opening bowlers with positive results. Kershaw (18) in particular looked in good form but a top edge saw him removed followed shortly after by both Lloyd Bowman and Hughes (10). Coming in at number 5 Lankester found his side on 35 for 3. Lankester himself must have looked at my book and [...]