It was the end of an era as James Heslam captained the First XI for the last time in a mid-table clash against Stevenage on the Green on Saturday. Disappointingly, Stevenage’s 224 for 6, (Jack Tidey 4-40), may have been too much for Reed to chase yesterday, despite Phil Lill’s 43, but James’s massive influence and successes must not be forgotten. Under his leadership, the promotions in recent years in the League culminating in a place in the Championship Division where Reed are not considered “new boys” any longer, and capable of matching any of the big-name clubs on their day, plus the cherry on the cake of the Village Cup victory at Lord’s in 2012 illustrate the passion, commitment and skills James has brought to our Club. I’m sure you would join me in saluting our retiring Club Captain. Thank you James.

The Seconds meanwhile hammered-home their dominance in Division 5B by beating the second-placed Old Cholmeleians by 7 wickets. Alex Kelly took 3 wickets as Old Cs ended on 217 for 9. Reed knocked-off the target with Kallum Ward scoring 49 and captain Marcus Martin a marvellous 72 not out. Reed were 57 points clear of Old C’s in the final table!

The Thirds showed what they were capable of if they had had a more stable choice of regular players throughout the season. Brimful of batsmen in this final league fixture, Paul Garrott, 47, and fifties by John Kershaw and Rob Willoughby ensured Reed reached an unassailable 244 for 7. Waltham Cross Rosedale mustered only 125 all-out in response, 3 of the wickets falling to skipper, Michael Robertson.

Paul Garrott skippered the Sunday XI away at Little Hadham in an old-fashioned “timed-game”, that means a draw was a possible result. As so it was. Reed made 202 for 9, with healthy mid-thirties scores by Rob Lankester, Joe Graves and Matt Giblin, and Little Hadham held-on for the draw at 127 for 5, 3 wickets going to Neil Haslam.

Expect Match Reports to follow shortly.

PGB