Two centuries and a record breaking first wicket partnership were the highlight of Reeds third teams visit to Kings Langley.
Kings Langley III won the toss and decided to bat, their openers made steady progress against opening Reed bowlers Ward and Giblin. The small size of the pitch and the lightning fast outfield made it difficult for the fielding side and the ball shot to the boundary whenever it beat the infield. Matt Giblin (14-0-2-47) was the pick of the Reed bowling, but it was Kallum Ward (6-0-1-26) who struck first, bowling Thompson for 2. The fall of the first wicket brought 15-year-old Toms to the crease and it was his 125 and Barters 51 not out that helped the home side to a sizable score. Will Heslam (10-0-1-39) and Lewis Fitzgerald (8-0-1-47) also bowled well in a young Reed bowling attack. Kings Langley decided to declare on 252 for 6 after 50 overs.
The target score of 253 to win at first appeared daunting, however after 10 overs and Reeds score on 62 without loss it was clear that William ‘Pud’ Heslam was back. He struck the ball to all parts of the ground; the Kings Langley team had no answer to his onslaught and the score rattled along at an astonishing pace. Paul Garrott also played his part, nudging the ball around and milking the runs, allowing Heslam to hit the boundaries. In desperation the home captain used nine different bowlers in an effort to take a wicket. This was to no avail, as the first Reed wicket did not fall until the 34th over with the score on 239. Heslam was adjudged LBW after hitting a magnificent 143 which included five sixes. The opening pair of Heslam / Garrott set a new third team first wicket partnership record of 239, with Garrott scoring a well worked 65.
It was left to Ben Bowles and Scott Caine to see Reed home, the target being reached in less then 40 overs. Reed ended on 253 for 2 in 39.2 overs collecting all 30 points, the shell-shocked hosts managing 12 points.
