Reed second XI entertained Redbourn on Saturday in their Hertfordshire League clash. Skipper Jason Archer won the toss and with a fantastically prepared batting track and glorious conditions chose to bat. Mark King and Fergus Martin got Reed off to an excellent start putting on 81 before King was caught for 60. Marcus Martin joined the fray and after struggling early on went through the gears putting on 58 with his sibling before Fergus was trapped in front for 20. Ian Fulk joined Martin and the pair completed Reed’s third 50 partnership of the innings with Fulk managing just 7 before he was caught spectacularly but bizarrely at gulley of the wicket keepers boots pads and gloves.
Richard Johnson in imperious form entered his first shot a contender for shot of the day as it raced to the boundary for 4. Martin’s innings had been purring all afternoon and with three figures in sight he was caught a short extra cover, a fine knock of 87 that really deserved a century.
Reed continued to pile on the agony for Redbourn as Karl Ward set about the attack in cavalier fashion. With Johnson a 5th wicket partnership of 43 ensued before Ward was caught on the boundary for 17. The Reed innings closed on a massive 261 – 5 with Johnson unbeaten on 43.
With such a fine deck the run chase was always on and Redbourn’s openers started as if this was their target. Ward a revelation with the ball this year found the edge of Smiths bat on numerous occasions, but his luck ran out when he edged one to the gulley region where Archer trousered his first top draw catch of the day, to send him back to the pavilion. Fellow opener Spiers then went too. Hertfordshire spinner Edward Garrott drawing him out of his crease only to push the ball briefly skyward, Archer made up the ground to somehow pluck the ball out of the air at short extra cover.
Reed with Johnson and Garrott then cranked up the pressure with numerous close catchers; Redbourn slumped from 58-1 to 66-4 within the space of 3 overs. Unfortunately for Reed this appeared to signal the end of Redbourn’s attempt to win the game. Redbourn Skipper Anthony Maunder realizing the total was beyond his teams capabilities, decided to put down roots. Maunder batted sensibly in his knock, an excellent captains innings for his team. First, putting on 60 with Wright, then 30 with Benfield. Despite Reed’s very attacking fields no risks were taken and with an eye on a couple of batting bonus points Redbourn settled for their 159-9.
Reed tried everything using 8 bowlers with Ward, Garrott, King and Johnson all impressing. Johnson, the pick with 3-35 to cap a fine all round performance.
A winning draw for Reed and 16points keeping them well and truly in contention early on in the race for promotion. Captain Archer was philosophical “ Redbourn’s tactics disappointed, me a little but on reflection we may have batted similarly had the tables been turned. It was still a great performance the effort put in on such a hot day was outstanding. We must realize that with the players we have teams will be keen to keep Reed from gaining victories, and will fight tooth and nail. On other days the breakthrough would have come and so will the win. 46points and 5th place after two games is enormous progress from last season and a great platform from which to push on”
The only sour note for Reed was the dreadful injury to all rounder Michael Robertson in fielding drills prior to the game, Robertson fell awkwardly taking a catch and has broken his collarbone. He will be out of action for at least 8 weeks all at the club wish him a speedy recovery.
