Reed returned to winning ways with a challenging and hard fought win over 3rd placed Flitwick on Saturday.
With the pitch looking fairly green after a mixed week of weather Flitwick won an important toss and made advantage of the lively wicket and new ball reducing Reed to 47-3 after 12 overs despite Rich Wharton’s 21. The situation didn’t get much better for Reed when this became 73-5. Australian quick Jordan Leiman and Edward Sharpe each picking up 2 wickets for the home side. Reed did recover to 112-5 before Greaves fell for 21 just as he was starting to break free. All this time Reed stalwart Chris Jackson (61 not out) was superbly holding the Reed innings together for the 2nd time this season and he continued to do this receiving some support from Reeds lower order. This enabled Reed to bat their overs and post a below par score of 186 all out in 48.5 overs but one which at least gave them hope.
Reed needed early wickets and that is what they got from the destructive Jack Tidey (10-2-26) who bowled with pace and accuracy. Greaves was brought into the attack early by skipper Heslam with the hope of removing danger man George Thurstance and when he duly obliged with a beautiful delivery well stumped by Wharton Flitwick were in trouble at 34-3 which included a wicket for Tom Walsingham who opened up with Tidey. Although Reed had taken early wickets on what was now a decent batting wicket and quickening outfield the home side probably remained favourites particularly with the likes of minor counties player Higginbotham at the crease. However, Tidey had other ideas removing the beds batsman for 1. At this point the home side tried to consolidate but with accurate bowling from Greaves (10-1-31) and Mutucumarana (9-3-34) following up his village cup exploits with another good spell Reed forced the squeeze and wickets fell gradually. However, Reed needed one more good spell from their attack to win the game and this came from New Zealander Phil Lill who bowled superbly returning figures of 7-3-15 which with the help of Mutucumarana sealed a fantastic win with Flitwick well beaten in the end 118 all out in 38 overs.
The tests of the Herts Championship continue for Reed on Saturday as they host 2nd placed Hoddesdon fresh from a busy winter of signings and then Langleybury in the area final of the National Village Cup on Sunday.
