On Sunday Reed entertained division one Langleybury in the quarter finals of the National Village Cup. Reed captain James Heslam won the toss and elected to chase on what was a decent looking Reed wicket. The visitors started reasonably well but Reed weren’t letting them get away. The game was well balanced with Langleybury 43-0 after 12 overs, when the impressive Lee Johnson (3-36) made the breakthrough as the dangerous Amin (32) fell going for one big shot too many, Ed Garrott taking an excellent catch at Mid off.
Johnson then took two more wickets in his next two overs and supported by the reliable Graham Wilson who went for just 33 in his 9 overs they put the game firmly in the balance with the visitors 68-3 after 17 overs. Number 5 Channer (39) however then joined opener R Oxley (72) and they took Langleybury to 150 for 3 after 33 overs.
This was a good position for the visitors but they had still not got away completely and with an excellent last 7 overs Reed managed to restrict them to just 190-5 from their 40 overs. Spinners Garrott (1-43) and Greaves (1-38) bowled nicely and Jack Tidey produced an impressive last two overs.
In reply Reed started slowly against the useful Langleybury openers who took the early wickets of Greaves (6) and Ward (8) leaving them on 30-2 after 11 overs. However, this brought Smith to the crease and he and Heslam (38) went about improving the situation for the home side. They did just this and at 97-2 after 24 overs the platform had been set for a push for victory. However the rate still had to be upped so it was unfortunate when Heslam fell for 38.
Frenay went soon after for 5 and when Sean Tidey was run out for a quick fire 9 the pressure was well on truly on Smith and the incoming Jack Tidey with the score 145-5 after 33 overs. However, unlike Langelybury Reed came to life in the latter stages thanks to 19 year old Jack Tidey who produced a truly inspirational knock. He showed maturity beyond his years as he smashed 32 not out off 19 balls including 2 massive sixes to stun Langleybury seeing Reed to victory with his second six towering over long on.
The large home crowd erupted as Tidey leapt in joyous celebration with the hugely impressive Smith who anchored the innings superbly scoring an unbeaten 70 off 69 balls. Reed face Eversholt away in the semi-finals on May 29th.
