On Sunday, Reed entertained Home Counties Premier Division outfit, Potters Bar. The gulf in leagues seemed apparent from the outset as Potters Bar’s openers looked to make headway with the fielding restrictions in place in the first 15 overs. Jack Tidey bowled with a good line and length and was unfortunate not to make a breakthrough. Will Dobson came into the attack and took the wicket of Van Der Maat for 48. This brought Middlesex youngster James Kettleborough to the crease. He and L . Cooper took the attack to the Reed bowlers both scoring quickly and passing 50 with ease. Cooper went on to make 138 from 111 balls before being caught by Tom Greaves from the bowling of Mitchell Cooper. After C. Swainland came and went for 11 caught behind off the bowling of Alex Kelly, M. Milligan came in and battered the ball to all parts of ground. He made 79 Not Out from just 33 balls including 5 Sixes and 7 Fours. Kettleborough went on to make a spl endid 107 before a fine catch by Greaves from the bowling of Kelly. Kelly ended with 3 wickets as Potters Bar racked up an astonishing 411-5 in 50 overs.
After tea, Reed had a mountain to climb and set about chasing down the giant total. Will Heslam and Will Dobson set about their work sensibly and with fine class as they raced to 80 before Dobson was trapped LBW by C Hodge. Stuart Smith joined Heslam at the crease and looked to make use of the bad balls, grooming his way to 24 before he was bowled by C Boyce. After captain Greaves and Johnson also departed, Reed needed a partnership. At 127-4 , the experienced Peter Baker came to the crease and batted with great confidence and quality. Together with Heslam, the partnership raced to 53 before Baker was bowled by Kettleborough for 28 including 6 fours.
Heslam passed 50 and batted with great skill and technique all the way through his innings. He went on to make 85 before he holed out off the bowling of L. Cooper. Another fine knock from another exciting young prostpect at Reed.
Mitchell Cooper was making inroads and was joined by Jack Tidey. The pair found the boundary with ease and frustrated the Potters Bar bowlers who were looking to get the game wrapped up. Tidey drilled 32 in little time whilst Cooper made a glorious 76* as the pair put on 61. Cooper batted with confidence and is showing signs of becoming a key all round player for Reed not only in the future but also in the present.
Reed posted 312-8 losing by 99 runs. They maintained their respectability and showed some superb character. Very promising signs for the club on a lushious day which was enjoy by all at The Green.
