In the only game played in division 2, Reed stuffed a very poor Northchurch side. Despite heavy showers, a coastal beach of sand and Reed captain James Heslam using paper towels on the wicket ensured the victory and that Reed will finish mid table in the league.
Graham Wilson and Lee Johnson bowled 42 of the 45 overs Reed bowled. Wilson bowled tightly with his 2 for 70 whilst Johnson ripped through the limp Northchurch batting line up with a season best 6-60. Rain mid way through the innings shortened the game and got the sand and paper towels on the wicket Tom Calder top scored for Northchurch with 56 before being caught by a sharp catch from ‘keeper Simon Jackson. Northchurch surprisingly declared on 140-8 with a ball to spare.
In the shortened reply interestingly the visitors opened with slow bowlers and Tom Greaves and James Heslam got Reed of to the best possible start putting on 87 in 13 overs before Heslam went for 39. Greaves fell shortly after for 52 before young Marcus Martin went for a duck. With Reed now at 93-3 it was left to Chris Jackson and Liam Mckechnie to take Reed to a much deserved victory with 11 overs left. Jackson finishing on 28 and Mckecknie on 26.
Skipper James Heslam was ecstatic with the win. “We did a lot of work when the heavens opened in their innings to make the pitch playable. The umpires were great and I feel sorry for Northchurch who only got 5 points which will virtually relegate them”.
