Wheathampstead away 2003

It looked a good decision when 2nd ball Baz Curtis held a smart slip catch off Michael Berks. Missing new ball partner, William Clarke due to throat problem, Berks took on the added responsibility and bowled well without much luck. Richard Johnson partnered Berks and conceded just 10 runs from his 7 overs. He saw the first of Reed’s 5 dropped catches in the 4th over when Razza was dropped behind. Razza went on to score 22.

Reed’s ground fielding was good, but a couple of run out chances were missed. It took a brilliant one handed diving catch by Tom Fulk to get Reed their second success. Peter Tidey had replaced Johnson and took the wicket with the last ball of his first over.

Richard Jerome came on at the other end and had Wood (21) smartly caught down the leg side by keeper Stuart Smith the very next ball. Reed looked on top with the score 44-3 and might get through the home sides top order. Unfortunately more runs outs went begging, and along with the dropped catches Reed lost the initiative. It took another 17 overs before Jerome struck again and removed Ranil, LBW, for 30.

The home side weren’t setting the world alight with the scoring rate, but were mounting a total that might be a challenge if rain came and the wicket was lively at times. Martin went on to score 52 not out, ably aided by Winchester 34 not out.

At the end of their 53 overs Wheathampstead had amassed 165-4. This put pressure on the Reed batsman. They had no points at tea and had to win.

Openers James Heslam and Tom Fulk took the attack to the home side and looked good. They had reached 23 before Heslam got a snorter from Saunders and was caught behind for 20. Chris Jackson joined Fulk and he again was aggressive. Reed were going along at 5 an over and look comfortable. Fulk tried one big shot too many and was caught on the boundary for 13. Richard Jerome entered the run chase, but an unfortunate mix up ended with Chris Jackson being run out for 38, 30 of those runs coming in boundaries, including a huge six.

Baz Curtis came to the wicket with Reed rocking on 84-3 in the 20th over and the clouds looking grey. Reed still had no points. Jerome had reached an hard hitting 14 when he tried to sweep leg spinner Ranil, got a top edge was caught at leg slip.

When he was out Reed still needed 61 to win. Overs weren’t a problem, but it had started to drizzle on and off. Stuart Smith who had replaced Jerome consolidated with Curtis before Curtis decided enough was enough. He smashed 42 in boundaries out for his 47 before being caught at slip.

Reed were almost home and hosed. Just 22 need now. Smith decided it was time to go home and hit the next 3 balls from opening bowler Saunders for a 6 and two fours. Reed had won and collected another valuable 30 points.