Reed Sunday XI travelled to the village of Wendens Ambo and delivered a commanding all-round performance against Audley Wenden CC. Securing an emphatic victory after posting an imposing 283 from their 35 overs before bowling the hosts out for 161.

Having been asked to bat first, Reed laid the foundations with a positive opening partnership between Dave Saunders (12) and Chris Cooper. Cooper continued to anchor the innings superbly, reaching a well-deserved 50 before retiring, providing the platform for the visitors to launch an assault on the home bowling attack.

The momentum shifted dramatically when Dave Shagam arrived at the crease. Playing with freedom and authority, Shagam blasted 71 from just 36 deliveries. His aggressive approach ensured Reed remained firmly in control and accelerated the scoring rate through the middle overs.

After Cooper’s retirement, the runs continued to flow. Stanley Johnson produced a composed mature unbeaten 52, registering his maiden half-century in adult cricket, while Will Archer added a useful 21. Captain Rhodri Hughes then applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 39 from only 25 balls. The unbroken partnership between Johnson and Hughes guided Reed to an excellent total of 283 from their allotted 35 overs.

Set a daunting target, Wenden Ambo never truly recovered after losing an early wicket with just 11 runs on the board. Although the hosts briefly rebuilt to 56-1, Reed’s bowlers steadily tightened their grip on the contest, reducing the batting side to 89-4 before a flurry of wickets effectively ended any hopes of a successful chase.

George Wood delivered an outstanding spell, bowling three maidens in his seven overs and proving unfortunate not to claim a wicket. The standout performers were Reed’s talented U15 bowlers Dan Durrant and Zac Rouse, who each collected three wickets. Returning bowler Kieran McKinna also impressed on his comeback, contributing two crucial breakthroughs. The final wicket fell to the part-time spin bowler Lloyd Bowman, who wrapped up the innings and completed a comprehensive Reed victory.

It was an excellent team performance from Reed. A powerful batting display, highlighted by Shagam’s explosive innings and valuable half-centuries from Chris Cooper and Stanley Johnson, was backed up by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding throughout. The result capped another enjoyable Sunday afternoon and underlined Reed’s strength across all departments as they secured a convincing win.

Match Report by Lloyd Bowman