Reed 1XI hosted their first Division 1 match at the Green on Saturday as they hosted Knebworth Park 1XI.
Yet it was unfortunate as both teams walked away with 10 points after the match was abandoned after only 15 overs with the score on 51-1.
Having lost the toss on a green wicket, James Heslam’s men were put into bat on a pitch that appeared to offer substantial assistance to the seam bowlers. However, it was not to be as James Heslam (17*) concentrated hard to build an early innings and Baz Curtis (25) mixed concentration with some swashbuckling shots. When Curtis fell caught and bowled to a well struck half volley, this brought Joe Curk to the crease who got off the mark in impressive style with a lofted flick off his pads for 4 over midwicket, followed by a similar shot for 6 the next ball.
But the rain settled in, and when the teams left the field, it continued. An early tea was taken, but the condition of the pitch was considered unfit for play, and the match abandoned.
Frustratingly, other teams in the division managed to complete games, allowing them to extend a leading stretch over those who were denied by weather.
James Heslam, rueing the weather, commented: “It was frustrating, as I felt we got a good start in difficult conditions, but the umpires made the right decision. Joe was looking in ominous touch, and it was nice to get some time at the crease myself.”
