Reed’s fourth eleven were forced to leave their away match
against Chipperfield Clarendon IV with a draw much to the
frustration of the Reed players. However, it was a game
that the visitors had dominated all through the match and
came away with 17 of a possible 19 points from a draw. Reed
won the toss and batted first, George Garrott (20) and
Peter Baker (8) got things going and had made a partnership
of 35 before Garrott fell foul off the under-used Franklin
(10-1-36-1).
Baker soon followed but an impressive and IV XI record
partnership of 121 between John Kershaw (83) and Paul
Garrott (69) for the third wicket steadied the ship taking
Reed to 153 for 3 from 35. Kershaw then set another record
partnership with Darren Radford (23*) of 57 but ended an
impressive innings being caught from the bowling of Oliver
(12-2-57-2). Reed declared an over early after 46 with the
total on 231 for 4, Radford and Marcus J.E. Baker (8*) the
men not out.
Reed’s bowlers did just as well in the second innings, Alex
West (11-2-14-1) took the first wicket thanks to a fine
catch from Alan Ward. P. Baker (3-0-30-1) soon took the
second wicket with the some perfect off spin bowling,
hitting the top of off stump. But it was the dominating
bowling partnership of Jason Pallett (12-3-27-2) and Ian
Roberts (9-4-22-1) that ended the host’s aspirations for
the win. Fine catches from P. Baker, Kirby, Ward and keeper
M.J.E. Baker once again showed Reed’s class in the field.
However, Reed were unable to dislodge some of the tail
quick enough and the home side finished their 44 over
innings on 128 for 7 ending the game with a draw.