On Wednesday evening the final of the charity focussed Hertfordshire Isabel Hospice Cup took place at St Margaretsbury Cricket Club. The Reed team had made it to the final after recording victories over Broxbourne and Hertford Cricket Clubs in the earlier rounds, and duly faced Cheshunt Cricket Club in the 15 over final. Cheshunt won the toss and elected to bat first in the prevailing gloom with light rain threatening. Reeds Karl Ward took a wicket with the first ball of the match, and Cheshunt struggled to 22 – 4 in the 7th over before Grant (25) led something of a recovery with some forceful strokeplay. However Reeds steady bowling and incisive and athletic fielding kept the opposition under the cosh and restricted them to a total of only 90-8 in their full 15 overs. Sean Tidey with 2-10 in 2 overs took most wickets for Reed.
With the light drizzle now falling, and the light already failing, Reeds opening batsmen took to the field determined to effect a rapid win before the light deteriorated completely. Sean Tidey led the charge with a 6 off the first ball of the innings and with 17 off the first over. At the other end James Heslam was equally aggressive and the Reed reply motored on at an average rate of 12 runs an over. The Cheshunt bowlers didn’t know what had hit them as Tidey reached 39 before departing well caught in the deep after only 6 overs with the score 67 for 1. Will Heslam now joined brother James and the pair saw Reed to a comfortable and emphatic victory without further loss with a total of 91-1 off 7.3 overs, James Heslam ending on 36 not out.
The Isabel Hospice Trophy was presented to Reed Midweek Xl skipper Mitchell Cooper who marshalled the Reed team well throughout, whilst the Man of the Match Award went to Reeds Sean Tidey.
