With two heavy downpours stopping play Reed could count themselves very lucky to finish the game let alone win against annual rivals Little Hadham. Reed were even more fortunate considering that they were short on players. Reed never had more than 9 on the field with two players joining part way through the first innings it was only thanks to the generosity of the visitors that some stand –ins were provided as Reed fielded first.
A tentative couple of deliveries from Will Kirby made way to an impressive line and length accounting for the first two wickets. Lloyd Bowman too bowled very well and troubled the opposition batsmen, but was unlucky to go wicket less. Reed captain Marcus J.E. Baker and Sean Tidey then replaced Bowman and Kirby after each bowled 8 overs. Tidey looked threatening whilst Baker also looked like he was about to strike which eventually he did. Baker (1), Bowman, and Kirby (2) each went for 35 in their 8 overs whilst Tidey finished 0 for 31 from his 6.
Reed had already evacuated the pitch once but the second downpour saw an early tea taken. When play resumed it was decided that 4 overs per innings would be lost. This left Graham Stuart (1for 4) and Rob Lankaster (1 for 9) to send down an over each. Stuart taking his wicket thanks to a catch from Baker and Lankaster’s from Tidey taking his third catch. There were also two run outs from Lankaster and Bowman. Little Hadham completed their 36 overs on 159 for 7.
The surprising early loss of Sean Tidey in the second innings made way for Tom Walsingham to join Peter Baker at the crease. The pitch by this point resembled more a farmer’s ploughed field, boggy and muddy. Both batsmen played well none the less and made half centuries. After Baker (50) was lost Rob Lankaster (17) played positively. Reed easily reached their target with Walsiingham 67 not out and Graham Stuart 8 not out.
