At 1.30 on a day that all the weather forecasts predicted showers Reeds 3rd XI game against Sawbridgeworth IV got under way with white clouds and bright blue skies. Hosts Reed used the ground at Little Haddam, which with its small boundaries suggested that a high scoring game was on the cards.
Having lost the toss Reed where put it into bat with openers Peter Baker and Aiden Swain putting on an stable 66 from 15 overs for the first wicket when Baker (31) was caught. Tom Greaves then joined Swain and the pair continued to build Reeds total with some fine shots. However, the promising partnership was spoiled when Greaves (15) missed a straight ball leaving Reed on 93 for 2 off 23. Despite the many over remaining for the Reed batsmen to put on a large score, bad luck struck as a succession of batters came and went adding little to the total and with the eventual loss of Swain (52) Reed where in trouble. Only John Kershaw (16) looked like he was going to offer any resistance before he was beautifully caught leaving Reed once again looking at a small score to defend. However, in a potential life saving moment Mitchell Cooper (18) and Kallum Ward (5) added twenty off the last over, including two fine sixes from Cooper. Reed finished their 47 over innings on 165 for 8.
The Sawbridgeworths bowling was steady and consistent but special mention must go to Howard (20-4-73-8).
As Reed went about defending their total they were increasingly frustrated as the Sawbridgeworth openers seemed perfectly able to find runs. Chisnell (68) and Stead (82*) quickly went about the task. The fielders became demoralised and annoyed at the quick singles and fine shots that easily found the short boundaries. Even with a good rotation of Reeds bowling talent no one seemed able to dislodge either batter. Only Mitchell Cooper (8.4-0-30-1) on his second spell made a break through having the ball lobbed up to Alan Ward. By this point though the damage was done and the winning runs soon came, they ended on 166 for 1 off 32.4 overs. The disappointment showed as Reed left the field not only after losing but too a team that only a few weeks previous had only accumulated 32 points in the division proving that at this poin the division is still open to everyone.
