Reed showed all of their great skill in the field to bring about a victory against visitors Chigwell. The first innings however, had been somewhat disappointing for the home side as a batting card full of talent made a below par target.
Reed had quickly slumped to 20 for 3 after deciding to bat first. The bowling of Kerr and Hannant proved good enough to get on top of the top order. A stubborn fight back came from Rhodri Hughes and John Kershaw got Reed back in the game. They saw off the openers and began to build a platform for the rest of the team. However, disaster struck as both Hughes (22) and Kershaw (26) fell either side of drinks.
The score was on a precarious 67 for 5 when team captain Marcus J.E. Baker came to the crease. He and Ben Moody had to completely restart the Reed innings which they did with due diligence. The change bowlers were found to be easier to get away as Moody and Baker got the board ticking again. Moody (13) eventually was bowled ending his crucial knock but it made way for the big hitting Jack Tidey (17) to come to the crease. Again Tideys runs proved crucial in the last few overs. As Reed began to run out of overs Baker began to swing harder and was able to make a chanceless 66 not out as he steered his side to 169 for 8.
At the start of the second innings young Owen Hughes made sure his ‘Iron Boots’ were done up as tight as his bowling. It was his and Graham Stuarts opening partnership that proved the most critical factor in ensuring victory. After 10 overs the opposition although with all wickets still intact had only just made it to 13 runs. After 20 they had dragged themselves to 50. The constant line and length of Stuart and Hughes gave the batsman no room to work with and coupled with the home sides superior fielding they became bogged down.
The time was perfect for the introduction of Jack Tidey. Still not fully fit after a lengthy injury break Tidey was nearly getting back to full pace. He too gave no width and was in the end too much for Chigwell’s men. He claimed 4 wickets for 14. Under-15 leg spinner Ed Kershaw also got into the act with 2 impressive wickets.
Eventually Owen ‘The Big O’ Hughes and ‘Golden’ Graham Stuart returned and claimed much-deserved wickets. Hughes finished on 8-4-14-1 and Stuart on 8-1-15-1. Baker and Rhodri Hughes also chipped in with a wicket apiece as the visitor’s succumbed 60 runs short.
