The 2nd XI capped off a fine season by sweeping aside Kings Langley 2s on Saturday to wrap up their second consecutive league title.
Having already gained promotion and needing only a high scoring draw to secure the league, skipper Marcus Martin lost the toss and visitors Kings Langley elected to bat on what looked a good surface.
Star bowling duo Pete Tidey and Karl Ward got things going for Reed, and soon took a grip of the game as they have on so many occasions this year. Despite a batsman friendly track and quick outfield, Tidey was able to regularly pick up wickets throughout the innings, aided on one occasion by a spectacular slip catch by Marcus Martin. Tidey eventually took 6 wickets in the match, taking his season’s total to a remarkable 60 second team wickets. Ward also picked up his 40th wicket of the season as he too excelled. The balding pacemam Rupert Martin weighed in with 4 wickets too, as Kings Langley were bowled out for 197 in the 53rd over.
Although Reed’s opening bowlers have been very impressive this year, so too have their opening batsman. Srikanth Tummala in his debut season for the club and vice-captain Phil Frenay have regularly put opposition bowlers to the sword, accruing a combined total of over 1,000 runs. Frenay, who was coming off back to back unbeaten centuries, started the Reed innings in imperious style, crunching boundaries to all parts. Frenay made his way into the 40’s, taking his season’s runs to in excess of 650, before he was stumped. Tummala continued in style however, and despite losing impressive youngster Rob Lankester and Matt Bowles cheaply, Tummala and the hard hitting Marcus J.E. Baker took Reed up towards their target. Tummala passed 50 as Baker began to launch 6’s to all parts. It was left to Baker to finish the game, which he did in typical style, as he finished 43 not out. Tummala carried his bat for a season’s best 77 not out as Reed finished the game in just the 41st over.
The win ensured Reed finished deservedly top of the pile in Saracens Herts League Division 6, winning 13 of their 17 completed fixtures. Captain Martin said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the season; we have been excellent with both bat and ball. All the lads have contributed this year, from the opening batsman and bowlers through to the younger lads, the middle order and Tim Tidey who kept brilliantly all year. It’s been an absolute pleasure to captain this side and I see no reason why we can’t be challenging again next year.”
