Reed’s newly established fourth eleven got their league
campaign off to a good start with a hard fought victory
over Knebworth Park VI. Reed won the toss and captain Peter
Baker elected to bat first on the Freman College pitch.
Baker batted well for his 45 runs, protecting his wicket
whilst others fell for little runs. Left hander Alan Ward
then took over scoring a blistering 75 runs, finding the
boundary with ease and notching up quick singles supported
by Scott Caine (9) and Luke Cox (10). Reed’s total was
greatly assisted by Knebworth themselves who gave away 53
runs in extras.
Reed declared on 238 for 7 from 45 overs, with Ward and
Will Kirby (31) the men not out having added an impressive
undefeated 86 run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Wickets fell to the bowling of E. Large (5-1-70-4), B.
Murphy (5-0-28-2) and M. Darlow (11-1-39-1).
In reply Knebworth did look like competing for the win
early on in their innings, partnerships by S. Jenkins (59)
with L. Hutchinson (34) and I. Nurril (31) frustrated the
bowling of Cox (3-0-22-0), Baker (5-0-22-0) and Christian
Martin (5-0-25-0). Kirby (5-0-13-1) picked up a wicket
after some impressive pace bowling. Ian Roberts also got in
on the act showing his skill finishing with figures of
9.4-1-28-3.
But it was Alex West who troubled the opposition the most
picking up a much deserved 5 for 48 from 12 overs catching
D. Hennessy (29) off his own bowling to pick up his fifth.
Reed’s ability in the field was very much in contrast to
that of Knebworth who lost by 75 runs. The fourth’s season
has started well and will require much of the same to get
into division thirteen.