Reed CC welcomed Bengeo CC for the first Sunday XI fixture of the summer. Reed edged a tightly contested encounter, holding their nerve in the closing stages to secure an 8-run victory in an enjoyable competitive 40-over clash.

Batting first, Reed CC posted a competitive total of 181 for 7 from their allotted overs. Despite falling to 38-4, Chris Jackson (100*) scored a classy first century of the season for Reed, which included a 96 run partnership with skipper Rhodri Hughes (23) and then late contributions from the returning Lloyd Bowman (12) and Simon England (6*) helped Reed rebuild and push the total towards a defendable mark.

In reply, Reed started brightly with the bowling of youngsters Oli Kimsey (8-0-45-1) and Josh England (8-4-16-4) picking up wickets early. They were then supported by Jonathan Fry (8-2-29-1) and Stanley Johnson (7-2-38-2) to reduce Bengeo to 99-8.

However, Bengeo CC pushed the chase deep, and a 70 run partnership from Muhammed Arsad and Rob Dover dragged Bengeo back into contention for the final few overs.

However, Rhodri Hughes’s ‘death-spell’ in the final over did not go for as many runs as once feared and Reed won by 8 runs.

An enjoyable first Sunday fixture at Reed.

Next up, we welcome Amersham CC to Reed on May 3rd (13:00).

Match Report by Lloyd Bowman