Once more, Reed’s skipper, Peter Baker, loss the toss and after some lengthy deliberation by his counterpart, Andy Page, Reed were invited to bat first. With 47 overs at their disposal, this was approached with confidence, but there was a setback when the potentially sound Rhodri Hughes somehow managed to inside edge a delivery from young Ben Guest into his wicket. Kieran Willoughby was the number 3 and then added 78 with Baker for the second wicket. Runs were not easy to score on a pitch of very low bounce where each straight delivery had to be negotiated as if it was a wicket-taking ball. Baker departed for a sedate 37 to the first delivery he faced from the off-spin of Charlotte Page.
Sam Rice, who has been batting with confidence in recent matches thus deserving promotion up the order, came to the wicket to join Willoughby. Their partnership for the third wicket produced 93 runs of which Rice contributed 35 which was his highest score in this format of cricket match. By this time, Willoughby was closing-in to his own personal milestone of a century. His season had started with a series of ducks interrupted by his maiden fifty only a month ago. This time, with the very helpful support of Ben Moody, 8 not out, Willoughby reached his first ever “ton” and when the Reed innings closed on 209 for 3, he had scored a gritty and deserved 100 not out which included 17 fours. A great effort.
Hitchin’s side contained some talented young batsmen, but it was important for their main player to remain at the crease. Elliott Austin scored 20 and was the first wicket to fall, but fellow opener, Peter Bell, continued to be the thorn in Reed’s side. Similarly, runs were not easily scored on the low pitch and long outfield, and wickets fell at opportune moments thanks to some fine fielding and catching. Will Kirby pouched two, Rice and Rhodri Hughes one each with a run-out by Hughes too. Mid-order batsman Dan Page made 30 but as Hitchin approached the end of their innings, all results were possible.
The target was within reach, but wickets were tumbling, and a win, a loss or a draw were all achievable. Peter Bell finally fell for a fine 89 to Jack Childs who returned for his second spell and recorded a super 4 for 40 in arguably his best bowling performance. Andy Page and the young Ben Guest were at the wicket when stumps were drawn with Hitchin on 203 for 8; tantalisingly clo se for a victory by either side in this exciting conclusion.
Reed’s Fourth XI have now ended their 2014 League campaign as their last scheduled opponents, Waltham Cross Rosedale, have withdrawn. Reed have sufficient points to remain in sixth position in the Division but now await the proposed restructuring of the Herts League to see what effect it will have on the Fourth XI’s fixture list in 2015.
Reed IV (18 points) drew with Hitchin IV (5 points).
