Reed are in to the final of the Herts & Beds area final of the National Village Cup. After being asked to bat on a tricky track by strong Bedfordshire side Eaton Bray, Reed got off to a solid start with Captain James Heslam and Tom Greaves putting on 80 for the first wicket in 13 overs. Greaves was first to go for 26 before Heslam was out for 60. Chris Jackson started to continue where he left off on Saturday before getting out for 30. The returning Tom Fulk batted well in making his first, first team 50 off the season and was well partnered by young Marcus Martin and the big hitting Phil Frenay in setting Eaton Bray a challenging 221 in 40 overs at just over 5.5 per over.
The visitors got off to a solid start, despite good bowling from Jack Tidey and his Uncle Pete. Pete Tidey got the first wicket for Reed with a direct hit run out before snaring a further wicket. Eaton were going at the required run rate, until the introduction of quickie Lee Johnson and wily spinner Tom Greaves. With thunder storms looming Reed knew they had to keep the run rate below 5.5 whilst Eaton seemed more concerned about preserving wickets for a late onslaught. As the heavens opened, Eaton were 108 for 2 off 23 and with no further play possible, Reed progressed to the final, due to the superior scoring rate where they will play old rivals Langleybury. Captain Heslam was “pleased to get through to the final. I’d rather have won it differently but after the rain on Saturday putting pay to a possible league victory, it was nice for a change of luck! Eaton Bray put up a strong performance and were a good side. For the second day on the trot we all batted well and we are now looking forward to the final” The final is at Reed on Sunday 20th June starting at 1.30
