After winning promotion in each of their first two seasons in the Herts League, Reed Thirds began their 2008 campaign with a fantastic victory on Saturday. Playing against the Third XI of established “bigger” club, St Margaretsbury, Reed found themselves up against several 2nd XI players who appeared experienced and more than capable. Batsmen Miller, 55, Frost, 45, and Reed, 66 not out, were supported by useful contributions by Whalley and Gilmore as the hosts amassed 242 for 5 in 43 overs declared.
George Greaves had taken 1 for 3 before pulling a muscle and Kallum and Alan Ward had taken a wicket each. But Reed’s best bowler was Marcus Baker with 2 for 24 as he kept a tight line on the off stump. Then came the run chase. Reed were 101 for 4 after 26 overs with all the veterans already out.
The rescue act was thanks to a partnership of 127 between the youthful pair of Tom Greaves and Kallum Ward. Kallum hit 7 fours in reaching a maiden fifty in senior cricket before being caught but whilst together, the pair had caused problems for all the home side’s bowlers. Tom Greaves demonstrated some superb clean hitting and scored 13 fours in passing his first ever century. The climax of this fascinating match was he and young George Garrott scoring 7 runs from the final over thus securing victory for Reed by 5 wickets with just 1 delivery remaining. Tom Greaves was 106 not out at the end.
