As usual we entered two midweek competitions last season. The legendary Keatley Cup and the more recent T20 competition, the Isobella Hospice Cup (IHC).
Both Competitions were set up as a group stage format with the winners qualifying for the final.
Unfortunately we did not retain the Keatley Cup this season after losing crucial games to Foxton CC and Thripow CC. Two very good teams, in their respected leagues. However, these were games we needed to and should have won. Both times our batting letting us down. We did record wins against local rivals Royston CC and Cokenach CC to keep local bragging rights! The final was held at the usual location of Therfield where Foxton and Cokenach competed for the trophy. Foxton ending up eventual winners.
However, we added some new silverware to the ever growing Reed CC trophy cabinet, in the form of the IHC. We found ourselves in a group which included eventual division 1 winners Hertford CC, division 2 high flyers Broxbourne CC and Old Westmill CC (Not in a league). With Old Westmill not being able to raise a side, wins in the other two games were needed to qualify for the final. With some excellent batting from Will and James Heslam, Sean Tidey, Stuart Smith, Marcus Martin and tight bowling from Mitchell Cooper, Jack Tidey, Tom Greaves and Karl Ward (Sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone), Reed did just that! Tim Tidey added some much needed experience and class behind the stumps, taking some excellent catches and stumping’s. This all meant Reed topped the group and a final with division 4 side Cheshunt CC, was on the cards.
The final was held at St Margaretsbury CC, with Reed the strong favourites, Cheshunt won the toss and decided to bat first, as light was going to be an issue later on in the game. The Reed CC bowlers that were mentioned earlier bowled well keeping the run rate down throughout the innings and restricted Cheshunt to 91. Reeds openers James Heslam and Sean Tidey made light work of knocking off the runs with eventual MOM Sean Tidey scoring 39*off 21 balls. This meant Reed won the IHC for the first time since the competition started. A special mention must go to Jono Slater who kindly took over the organising of the competition after John Hodges sadly passed away.
Overall, a successful season for the midweek XI and hopefully next season we can regain the Keatley Cup and retain the IHC.
Thanks,
Mitchell Cooper
