Reed, for a second consecutive time in two years, dumped Langleybury out of the National Village Cup on Sunday. Division 2 Reed beat top-of-the-table Division 1 Langleybury by 9 wickets with 2.5 overs to spare thanks to a blistering ton by skipper James Heslam.
Underdogs Reed were due to face Langleybury at home the previous week, but due to inclement weather was rescheduled for Sunday 3rd at Langleybury, setting the same scene by winning the regional finals the previous year with an 8 wicket victory.
Winning the toss, Heslam elected to field on what emerged to be a good batting wicket. Peter Tidey (9-2-30-0) stamped his trademark tight inswingers on proceedings as he kept runs to a minimum. However, the batting paradise took hold as Langleybury openers, G Cooper (71) and R Channer (72) capitalised on the true pace to build a responsible first wicket partnership of 161. It took a mis-timed run from Channer to gift Reed with a breakthrough as William Clarke gathered the ball and Simon Jackson broke the stumps to help complete a run-out at the striker’s end. This proved Reed’s opening, as wickets fell at regular intervals thanks to a tireless second spell from Graham Wilson (9-0-45-4), some improved fielding, and a sharp stumping by keeper Simon Jackson. However, A Gunning (54) stood firm as he proved to be the pillar as wickets fell around him. Wilson and William Clarke (5-0-38-1) in his second spell, managed to restrict runs in the closing overs to give Langleybury a total of 248-6 off 40 overs.
A confident Langleybury enjoyed their tea, as a sunbaked and withered Reed attack prepared for their reply, hoping to start in the same nonchalant manner as the previous year when opener Baz Curtis scored 58 in 46 balls. Curtis (33) began in similar form with Heslam, until he was brilliantly caught and bowled by S Carter (5-0-39-1), the same bowler he bludgeoned from the attack the previous year.
Meanwhile, Heslam was feasting on some short bowling striking consecutive sixes off R Williams (8-0-64-0), one of which sailed over the Reed supporters onto the roof of the newly extended pavilion, almost reaching the M25. Heslam was just getting his eye in as he struck his battled his way to a ton, Langleybury helpless and not knowing where to bowl. He and Chris Jackson (64*) worked their way towards a partnership of 186. Chris Jackson ran tirelessly to complete his second consecutive fifty at Langleybury in two years, his 64* coming in just 69 balls. He hared between the wickets with Heslam supporting him to a well timed ton, and eventual victory, with Heslam ending on 132*, consisting of 2x6s and 13x4s. The chase was judged to perfection as 17 balls were not required by the pair, preferring instead to spend the time celebrating after the game in the bar.
Reed are due to face Premier Division heavyweights North Mymms on 10 June in the regional semi final, although they languish at bottom of the division.
James Heslam commented afterwards: “Im obviously delighted that we completed a back-to-back victory against Langleybury, and hopefully we will emulate our NVC performance of last year. Admittedly we could have bowled better, but it was a tough track to bowl on – I was personally delighted to score a ton especially when the pressure was on and a big performance was required. We’re just focusing on North Mymms now, as well continuing our League run”
