Saturdays abandoned match against Luton Town and Indians marked the half way point in the 2014 season for the second elevens and provided the right opportunity to reflect on the first nine weeks of the campaign. Reed currently sit on top of division 6 with 6 dominant wins, a single defeat and two matches abandoned due to rain. This includes the game against Luton Town and Indians in which despite a weakened side, Reed had their quarry 2 wickets down in just the 6 overs bowled.
At the start of the season Reed pulled off an impressive victory over Old Finchleians despite defending just 133 as Karl Ward’s 5 for 20 led the way, bowling out the opposition for just 70. This bowling display seemed pale in comparison the following week when hosts Reed bowled out St Margaretbury for just 38. Ward again taking 5, accompanied by Peter Tidey (5-11).
Reeds next fixture proved the one blip as they failed to chase down 187 by 2 runs despite being at one point 124 for 1. Regardless of the loss Reed had once again showed great commitment in the field plus the some fine innings by Phil Frenay (56), Marcus J.E. Baker (50) and Srikanth Tummala (30). Two weeks later (after a rained off match) Reed returned back to winning ways with aplomb. Difficult batting conditions and good bowling had seen Reed in trouble with the bat against Old Haberdashers. Innings from Frenay (43) and Marcus Martin (45) took Reed to a defendable score of 170. Pete Tidey then got into things as he bowled a superb spell of 23.3-10-30-8. His efforts were supported by the rest of the team as some difficult catches were hung onto. Marcus Martin then made 85 against Rickmansworth followed by Karl Wards 5 wickets in a 74 run victory. 5 for Tidey and a blistering 44 from Tummala were the highlights in the next victory against Redbourn. Finally a tough victory against Codicote saw Marcus J.E. Baker (44*) and Tom Walsingham (23*) rescue Reed from 93 for 7 to take them over the line after a collapse of wickets. Earlier Ward and Tidey both claimed 4 wickets.
In summary, Reed has looked a really threatening outfit with a strong team spirit, especially in the field. The outstanding efforts of the bowling partnership of Ward and Tidey have received the full support of the rest of the team in the field. Reeds usual high standards have been matched and exceeded with excellent ground fielding and catching. Tom Walsingham and Jack Caine have also looked dangerous when bowling and will be eager to continue to contribute.
The addition of Srikanth Tummala to the side at the top of the order has proved a positive one with entertaining and destructive batting. Phil Frenay, meanwhile looks far in away the best batsman in the division with several high scoring knocks in tricky conditions. Together Frenay and Tummala have formed the 2’s second deadly partnership. The signs also look good thanks to impressive form from both Marcus Martin and Marcus Baker. This is not to mention the return of players such as Ed Garrott and Fergus Martin, hopefully the habit of winning continues.
