Division Seven Reed II 232-5 Flamstead 151-7 FLAMSTEAD visited Reed II on Saturday and picked up their first draw of the campaign in Division Seven. On a wicket that looked good for batting, skipper Andy Taylor lost his fourth consecutive toss

Division Seven

Reed II 232-5 Flamstead 151-7

FLAMSTEAD visited Reed II on Saturday and picked up their first draw of the campaign in Division Seven.

On a wicket that looked good for batting, skipper Andy Taylor lost his fourth consecutive toss and Flamstead were asked to field.

A direct hit from James Clark ran out the number one batsman with the score on 16. Dave 'Twiggy' Rogers then removed the number three caught behind by David Oswin to reduce the hosts to 19-2.

Opener Smith (110 not out) and Garrett (57) then put together an excellent stand of 128 as Flamstead struggled. Rogers returned to break the stand but then another good partnership of 79 between Smith and Johnson (38) enabled Reed to declare on 232-5 after 50 overs.

Skipper Taylor was adjudged caught behind in the first over of the Flamstead reply and they soon fell to 38-3 off 17 overs. Matt Brown and Clark put on 40 together before Brown (47) hit across the line and was bowled by spinner Garrott. Clark (25) combined with colt Ben Brownlie, aged 14, to take the score on to 101. Flamstead then relied on experienced duo Tim Wilkinson (16) and Stephen Wright (11 not out) to save the draw and Wright and Rogers (19 not out) almost got Flamstead to a second batting point as they reached 151-7.

After the match, Taylor reflected on an improved batting performance for his side. He said: "I thought we bowled tidily and our fielding was excellent with young Ben Brownlie outstanding. We now look forward to the visit of local rivals Harpenden IV (on Saturday) and let's hope some of our top order can find some form.