Second Division Reed produced one of the biggest upsets in recent
years to knock the current Premier Division Champions, Langleybury
from this years Village Cup. It was only the second time in Reed’s
history that they had beaten the Lord’s finalist of just two years
ago.

Reed won the toss and took the brave decision of batting first. They had reached 25 without much alarm before Hertfordshire bowler O’Reilly bowled Baz Curtis. This brought in form Chris Jackson to the wicket who along with Mark Peart moved the total on to 51 before Peart went for a solid 13. He was unlucky to be adjusted LBW. Jackson was the backbone of the Reed innings and he moved on to another elegant 50 following up the ton he got on Saturday. It was a chanceless knock with scoring shots to all parts of the ground. He hit opening bowler Beesley for a huge six straight over his head to get off the mark. Reed’s middle order all chipped in around Jackson. Trevor Saunders and Simon Roberts both got 12. Robert Dunn hit a vital 21 and along with Jackson are hardly let a ball go with at least a single being taken and so kept the score board ticking. Jackson was left 63 not out when Reed allotted 40 overs were complete. He had scored 63 from 82 balls, consisting of 4x 4s and 2, 6s. Reed had posted an average 156 and it didn’t look like it would be enough against a strong Langleybury batting line up.

Reed were shown in the first over what a hard task this might be defending 156 when Richard Robertson was hit for 9 from his first over by Khan. Ian Roberts again showed the virtues on line and length when he tempted Khan in to a mistimed pull from the first ball of the second over and son Simon completed an easy catch. Reed had the vital early wicket they needed. It took Langleybury 22 balls to score off Roberts and he never went for more than 5 in any over. He removed Fry for 23 when the score was on 45 and when Mark Peart bowled Longman for 15 Langleybury were beginning wobble on 49-3. Roberts made it even worse when he removed another Herts County star, Jerome for just a single and thus completing his 9 over spell with figures of 3-13 including 5 maidens.

Peart was also keeping things tight at the other end. He broke the
vital 35 run partnership of Rice and Spinks, by having Rice superbly
caught wicket keeper Robert Dunn. The visitors were now 85-5 in the
27 over. With the crowd now sensing something special might be on the
cards the pressure began to build on both sides. Reed’s ground
fielding was superb and they support the bowlers all the way. Peart
completed his 9 overs conceding just 19 runs and picking up 2
wickets.

Peter Tidey had now replaced Roberts and had the daunting task of
trying to keep another Herts County player, Clifford Spinks quiet,
not an easy task. He picked up 2 vital wickets near the end of his
spell that broke Langleybury’s momentum. The home side sensed
victory, but while Spinks was still there it could go either way,
even with Langleybury 119-7. You aren’t Herts League Champions for
nothing. Peter Costen came on to bowl and immediately found a good
line and length. He combined with Dunn to leave the visitors 122-8 in
the 35 over, just 5 to go and 35 needed. Simon Roberts was given the
awesome task of bowling just 2 overs, the last 2 overs up the hill!
He picked up a wicket with his 5 ball and now with 20 needed and 13
balls left the visitors had 1 wicket left. The home fans were on the
edge of their seats. Every dot ball was cheered. Peter Costen
conceded 9 off his last over and was unlucky when a tough chance was
dropped. Ten were needed off the last 6 balls 2 were scored from the
first 3, and then a vital boundary by Spinks. 5 from 2. Spinks tried
to finish the game, but he got too far under it, but it looked like
it would land safely. Skipper Baz Curtis managed to get under it and
hold on. Reed’s biggest win against Langleybury was complete. The win
was more satisfying as many of the team who last beat Langleybury
were there to see this win. Reed won by 4 runs.