The opening game of the 2013 season proved a fruitful and enjoyable game for Reed as they travelled away to Broxbourne. The side made up of first and second teamers were asked to bat first in the cold, overcast conditions.
Reed started on the wrong foot with the loss of two wickets but recovered with a solid third wicket partnership between Chris Jackson and Joe Curk, making his return to the club from Australia. Both looked comfortable at the wicket with well timed shots. However, a sudden mix up left Curk being run out for 20 and with another quick wicket following soon after Reed were struggling at 55 for 4.
Joining Jackson at the crease was Matt Bowles who ended any trepidation their team mates may have been feeling by combining in a fantastic partnership of 87. Jackson continued in the same form that proved so successful for him last season, whilst Bowles played some wonderful sweeps and cuts to frustrate the opposition. With six overs remaining in the innings Jackson was out LBW for a classy 53 and Bowles followed soon after just two short of what would have been a much deserved half century. Reed captain Lee Johnson (12*) and Rupert Martin (8*) finished the innings as Reed posted 1 67 for 7 from their 45 overs.
In response the home side mirrored Reed with an un-steady start, Rupert Martin picking two cheap wickets up in his spell of 5-2-22-2. Opening from the other end was Reed stalwart Peter Tidey who restrained the hosts with his steady action but was unfortunate not to get a scalp himself. The flow of the game then changed with Gagan (24) and Davis (41) blasting boundaries.
Reed began to lose control of the game but Tom Greaves stopped the rot dismissing both batsmen, Gagan bowled and Davis caught in amazing fashion by Pete Tidey at fine leg. Greaves went on to take two more wickets finishing with figures of 9-0-48-4.
Lee Johnson brought himself on and also picked up wickets as the Broxbourne middle order threw their wickets away by trying to smash everything. They gave up a commanding position of 91 for 3 and were on 96 for 8 when a 59 run partnership from number 9 and ten saved their innings. The opposition captain and wicket keeper combined to prove the depth of their batting line up, taking Broxbourne closer and closer to their total. Suddenly on 155 Glassberg put one in the air to be caught by Bernie Morrs of his own bowling, Reed were back in the game.
But then Ferguson (32) plundered more boundaries and yet again the momentum shifted. The game was in the balance as the hosts levelled scores, the pressure was on both sides and in the end it was Reed who held on. A rash call led to a run out and the match finished as a tie, Broxbourne finishing on 167 for 10 from 37 overs. It was a useful start for Reed with everyone contributing in one way or another.
