Sunday saw the anticipated return to action in the Davidstow National Village Cup for Reed. After a bye in the first round, Reed entertained the unknown quantity of Bedfordsire based side, Elstow. James Heslam won the toss and chose to field. This soon seemed like a good decision after Jack Tidey picked up the early wicket of D. Wisson in the 6th over after an athletic catch by Karl Ward.
Kallum Ward added some good pace to the attack bowling down the hill and proved to be too good for P. Johnson who departed for 10.
16-2 soon became 16-3 as Jack Tidey comprehensively bowled G.Galsin in the following over for a 13 ball duck.
Elstow were in deep trouble and it only got worse for the Village Cup debutants as Kallum Ward (6-2-11-2) picked up the wicket of T Wisson after a sharp catch from Tom Greaves at gully.
S.Ahmed tried to lead a revival for his side with some extravagant shots which may have been better suited to baseball. However, his efforts soon came to an abrupt halt as Jack Tidey picked up his 3rd wicket, removing Ahmed for 7.
At 26-5 it seemed like one way traffic. Elstow captain M.Stevens strode to the crease with purpose and looked to provide some support for C.Gill (13*) but he too fell, bowled for 1 by the impressive Tidey, who ended with figures of 9-3-11-4.
Mitchell Cooper (5-0-12-1) replaced Tidey and bowled with good pace considering the strong wind facing the bowlers who were bowling up the hill. He was soon rewarded when he bowled S. Robson for 6.
Spinner and Village Cup final hero, Tom Greaves came into the attack and did not take long to get in on the action as he bowled R.Kaylan (1) and removed S.Ali with the very next deliver for a golden duck. With number 11 on strike and the field surrounding the bat, Greaves (3.3-1-3-3) sent down the hat trick ball but was thwarted in his attempts by the youthful R.Gaslin. However, Greaves soon got the final wicket and wrapped up the Elstow innings. All out for 60 in 28.3 overs.
With 61 required for progression to Round 3, Reed focussed on ensuring victory in a professional and efficient manner. James Heslam and brother William headed out to begin the chase. A mixture of good running and clean hitting saw James Heslam become the aggresor in the partnership.
Elstow didn’t give up and bowled some good areas at times with S.Robson retuning respectable figures of 5-0-17-0 but Reed proved far too strong for their opponents. James Heslam hit 7 fours on his way to 37 not out from 41 balls whilst William Heslam spent some good time in the middle. William Heslam made 20 not out as the pair wrapped up the victory for their team in 13 overs and Reed ran out comfortable winners by 10 wickets.
Reed will now face Wheathampstead in Round 3 at The Green on May 25th.
This Sunday sees Reed in T20 action at The Green as they face Hoddesdon and Bishops Stortford in the Hertfordshire County T20 competition. Play starts at 11:30am and refreshments will be available at the club throughout the day on what should be an exilerating day of cricket.
