Unbelievably another season has finished and it’s time once again to reminisce on some of the best performances of the Friendly Sunday XI. In total we played 16 games winning 8, losing 7 with one abandoned. The high number of loses can perhaps be attributed to the large amount of ‘conference’ fixtures we played due to arranged opposition dropping out. On these occasions playing stronger teams was preferred to not playing at all and none the less in most cases Reed gave a good account for themselves. For example the final game against Spartans was turning into a very interesting run chase until the poor September light made it impossible.
The side was once again made up in the main by our younger members (when we could prise them away from revision). The likes of Matt Yates, Pippa Wisdom, Ollie Mansfield and Toby Emes all made their Sunday debuts. Whilst Jack Childs, Joe Graves, Owen and Rhodri Hughes, Sam Rice and Ben Moody, all under 18, played often throughout the season. Whilst their elders, Graham Stuart, Lloyd Bowman, Jack Tidey, Craig Brown, Matt Giblin and Peter and Marcus Baker, were also regulars in the side.
A review of the highlights of the season has to include the incredible partnership between Rhodri Hughes (60) and Sam Fairbrother (120) against Knebworth Blue. Despite constant drizzle the pair made 205 equalling the record first wicket partnership for the club. For Rhodri it was another fantastic season, scoring 197 runs and making 50+ scores twice. Once again he showed his great ability in the field and also proved a sensible leader when given the captaincy. Another hugely entertaining century came from Sam Deville in his single appearance for the season. Scoring 131 with such apparent ease against Preston at Freman College.
The only other century maker was the captain Marcus J.E. Baker who also made three fifties and amassed 480 runs. Three fifties were also made Jack Tidey who excelled as a senior player, scoring big runs at crucial times. His 273 runs coming at an average of 136.5. Fifties also came from Kallum and Karl Ward, Jack Caine, Fergus Martin, Tom Walsingham and Rob Willoughby.
Of the younger players Ben Moody certainly showed great talent and potential. Having started the season somewhat poorly with the bat he came back and proved a resilient player. He fell agonisingly short of his maiden 50 when making a 113 run partnership with Jack Tidey. Not to mention he was a steadfast performer behind the stumps. His fellow under 15 Owen ‘Iron Boots’ Hughes was probably the most dependable player of the season. Owen is perfect for keeping openers at bay and goes for very few runs. He formed an unlikely but never the less effective opening attack with Sam Rice. Bowling his chinamans, Sam is an attacking spinner who gains unbelievable turn.Playing against Woodcutters Sam made the early breakthroughs taking 4 wickets to be followed by another very talented spinner Toby Emes. The legspinner also took 4 to claim the victory. Many bowlers threw their hat into the contest for leading wicket taker for the year including Matt Giblin, Jack Childs, Toby Emes, Sam Rice and Graham Stuart. But that accolade must go to Joe Graves who performed well throughout the year and produced many devastating spells.
A huge thanks and well done to all those who played. Also thanks to Rosemary and Bethan for their crucial efforts, as well as Richard for providing pitches week in week out. A special thanks to Peter Wholley for his first year as fixture secretary. On top of arranging fixtures against our annual rivals he went to great lengths by going to conference to ensure we played close to every week of the season.
