The third eleven finally found the victory that had eluded
them for 6 weeks when they defeated the 2nd placed Codicote
at St Christopher School, Letchworth. Reed captain
Peter Baker won the toss and put the opposition into bat.
Rupert Martin (10-1-25-3) opened proceedings and with his
fourth ball took the first wicket, at the other end Kallum
Ward (6.5-2-11-4) matched this feat. However, Reed
then found resistance in number three Poulton (62*) whose
steady innings saved Codicote from disaster as the wickets
continued to fall at a regular intervals. Bowlers Ian
Roberts (12-5-21-2) and Michael Robertson (8-0-43-1)
contributed to the wicket tally, but it was Martin and Ward
returning in their second spells that mopped up the
Codicote tail. Codicote limped to 120 all out from
42.5 overs, thanks to several useless contributions from
the order including four ducks, three of them golden.
Reeds own batting performance started badly itself when P.
Baker (0) was caught fifth ball of the innings. But
to Codicote’s own misery this allowed the hard hitting
Michael Robertson to come to the crease. Robertson
(45) supported by Matt Bowles (23) took quick singles and
boundaries with some precise shots and aggressive batting.
The partnership of 58 ended when Robertson was caught
looking for his half century. However, from one
problem to another Codicote then faced Masseh Naeem who
despite a shaky start, smacked 30. A succession of
quick wickets then followed but Reed were in not going to
allow this win slip through their fingers. Marcus
J.E. Baker (11*) and Rupert Martin (4*) finished the job
with 15.5 overs to go. Father and son C. Richards
(14-5-57-2) and L. Richards (5.1-1-22-3) the only two of
the Codicote bowling talent to take wickets.
The victory marked the end of a 6 week long streak of poor
luck, but with only two weeks left it will require two more
victories and whole lot of good luck for the three’s to get
promotion.