With four potential front-line bowlers missing, the 1st XI were relying on a long batting line up to compensate and opted to bat first. This strategy seemed to be working as Tom Thorpe and Will Heslam put on 60 at five an over, until the latter was LBW for 12. Thorpe raced to his second half century, but was bowled attempting a sweep for 58 with 9 boundaries including one off his bat from a throw in to the wicket. Rob Lankester (18) perished LBW trying a similar shot, which left youngsters Charlie Walters and the returning Max Sanderson to rebuild the innings. After the drinks break, Sanderson, who had charged to 21 at a run a ball, was caught on the boundary with the score at 138-4. This signalled an almighty collapse, the wily left-armer Sadiq taking the last six wickets for just 6 runs. There were three more LBWs as the ball kept low. Only Walters (37) and Ollie Johnson (10*) showed any resistance as Reed were shot out for 168, well below their target score.
Although Heslam claimed a wicket with his second ball, Lutonian’s innings prospered to the tune of 71. Lankester was unlucky, however, as two catches went down off his bowling. The introduction of Sean Tidey as a part time bowler and the more regular Johnson slowly clawed back some momentum. Both took a couple of wickets to leave the game finely balanced on 109-5. Skipper Ali Khan proved to be obdurate though and the game was slipping away until the introduction of Jack Caine immediately accounted for two wickets in consecutive balls (the third LBW included!) and when Tidey threw down the stumps at the bowler’s end from the boundary an unlikely victory looked to be on. However Khan (35*) cleverly picked off the runs required mostly in singles to win the game.
Reed are back at home versus Northwood as the season reaches its halfway mark next Saturday. The team are still second (just) but will hope for the return of some of the bowlers by then.