Defending regional champions Reed kicked off their 2009 National Village Cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Biddenham on Sunday in the 1st round of the Herts & Bedfordshire section. Biddenham won the toss and elected to bowl on what looked a decent wicket despite there being a few cracks which suggested there may be a little inconsistent bounce. Although this did prove to be the case during the game, on the whole the pitch was conducive to batting and the outfield was fast.
Despite the early loss of Heslam for just 3 a big score always seemed on the cards for Reed as Stuart Smith (50) & Phil Frenay (63) immediately looked comfortable and played their shots all around the ground with freedom. The pair both made impressive half centuries in quick time putting on 100 for the 2nd wicket inside 17 overs which put Reed firmly in control of the match. Although they departed in quick succession Tom Fulk (43*) with the help of Marcus Martin (7), Karl Ward (12) and Richard Johsnon (23*) kept the momentum going and saw Reed to a very competitive 246-5 in their 40 overs.
In reply Biddenham were always on the back foot as Lee Johnson bowled with good pace and rhythm to dismiss the top 4 before he finished his allotted overs with figures of 9-4-37. Peter Tidey played his part too bowling a good economical spell and picking up a wicket to finish with figures of 1-31 off his 9 overs. 1st change bowlers Richard Johnson (1-24) & Bernie Morss (1-19) kept the pressure on well and with Karl Ward (5-1-19) also bowling tidely, the hosts were restricted to 138-8 and Reed were winners by 107 runs. In the next round Reed will play host to either Eversholt.
