On Sunday, Reed faced Eaton Bray in the Herts&Beds area final in the Yorkshire Tea National Village Cup. After a nail biting contest last time out against Langleybury, Reed were looking to confirm their spot in the National stages of the tournament for the second season running. On a fine day and in front of a large crowd at The Green, Reed were in the field.
Lee Johnson (9-2-32-2) opened up and soon struck gold, bowling D. Kerins for just 1. At 15-1, Bray’s captain came to the crease and built a partnership with W.Hosking (47) before Johnson claimed his second victim bowling A.Norris for 17. Hosking and incoming batsmen J Flecknell (34) put on 56 for the thrid wicket before spinner Tom Greaves trapped Hosking LBW.
109-3 soon became 122-4 as Greaves got rid of Flecknell, again LBW. Greaves continued his fine spell taking the wickets of N Pearson (11), C. Tickel (5) and G. Ellerton (1). Greaves ended with figures of 9-2-19-5 in what was a highly impressive and dangerous spell of bowling.
Jack Tidey , Mitchell Cooper and Kallum Ward also bowled economically in order to keep Eaton Bray to 143-8 in their 40 overs. Ward picking up the final wicket of the innings.
With 144 to win, Reed openers James and William Heslam set about chasing the target. Reed did not get off to the start they would have liked losing the wickets of both Heslams, Smith and Frenay cheaply leaving them in a giant hole on 28-4. G.Ellerton was impressive for Bray with (9-2-34-4).
At 28-4, the atmosphere on the green changed but after starring with the ball, Tom Greaves came to the crease trying to avenge the negativity mumbling around the ground.
He started rebuilding the Reed innings with Karl Ward (26) as they put on 58 for the fifth wicket before Ward departed. Greaves continued to anchor and control the innings, scoring regularly and never looking in danger. Greaves who was due to bat at number 5 in the league on Saturday showed his class and a lot of promise as a number 3. He was ably supported by Sean Tidey (12) and Mitchell Cooper (12 not out) as Reed chased down the total in 32.2 overs. Greaves was left unbeaten on a superbly timed and executed 73 from 74 balls including 11 fours. Man of the match Greaves was mobbed by his team mates after the large home crowd erupted in celebration of the fine individual effort and team character shown by Reed.
Reed with face Foxton in the next round.
