Played on UCA’s impressive sports facilities at Radlett, this annual fixture to remember one of the Left-Handers’ Batting Club’s finest was fiercely competitive yet acted out in superb social spirit. The cricket was good with plenty of runs scored in attractive fashion and wickets taken at crucial times. A sense of fun and fair play prevailed with none of the antics that are becoming the norm in league fixtures exhibited. A few creaking joints and stretched muscles couldn’t disguise the joy of actually performing again in the company of comrades for many of the players who had travelled to be present this year.

Each team actually had more then 11 players on show and these were rotated in the field, although most had the chance to bowl. Mike Jackson opening the batting for the Reed XI rolled back the years and, on a good pitch with the ball coming on to the bat at good pace, stroked his way to a marvellous 70. The quick-eyed Richie Barlow also enjoyed himself and flowed fluently to an undefeated 72. Ben Bowles captained the side and looked comfortable in a knock of 25 in the middle order. UCA’s Benson was the highest wicket-taker with 3 for 22. After 37 overs the Reed XI closed on 190 for 7.

After a very filling and time consuming buffet tea, UCA set-off in pursuit. Karl Ward, Marcus Martin and youngest brother Fergus Martin all took a top-order wicket apiece. But it was the fourth wicket partnership between S Nickolls (55) and Jones that threatened Reed’s total. Partnership breaker Baker was called in to the attack and obliged by tempting Jones out of his ground far enough to be stumped by Simon “Swiftly” Jackson for a superb 53. However, Masters maintained the run-rate with 32 in quick time until James “Milky” Allsopp returned to the attack, removing Masters and taking one further wicket. UCA ended on 187 for 7, just 3 runs short. Benson for UCA was adjudged Man of the Match although the maturing Karl Ward was ‘mentioned in dispatches’ as he continued to impress this season.