So, eighteen weeks of hard combat ceased with Reed worthy and deserved winners of the Division 5B title. This was the second eleven’s third successive Division title which will now see them move into Division 4B.
Many of the players made comment that this year’s title win was particularly satisfying because of the shared contributions made from everyone making it a real team achievement. The regular top five of Phil Frenay, Richard Johnson, Rob Lankester, Marcus Martin and Marcus J.E. Baker made a combined total of 1967 runs with a further 3 batsmen each making over 100 runs in the year. Meanwhile, Alex Kelly, Reece Fitzgerald, Jack Caine and Marcus Martin joined the prolific bowling partnership of Karl Ward and Pete Tidey in the wickets. Whilst Tim Tidey was the team’s engine room behind the stumps taking an incredible 13 catches and 5 stumpings.
For this final match of the 2015 season Reed travelled away to play against their main title rivals Old Cholmeleians. Fortunately for Reed a defeat in the last match had denied Old Cholmeleians any hope of overtaking Reed. So despite being a dead rubber there was still pride to play for. The last time the two sides met Reed suffered a big defeat so Marcus Martin’s side were more than eager not just to finish the season on a high, but also to settle the score.
On a damp September track Marcus Martin inserted the hosts who made a total of 217 with several batsmen making contributions. Alex Kelly had capped off his return season to the club with a “3 fer”. The second innings saw yet another strong start by Frenay and Johnson who combined for yet another 50 plus partnership. This was then followed by the big hitting of Kallum Ward (49) and the cool, calm of Marcus Martin (72*) aided by Marcus J.E. Baker (22*).
Reed had come out 7 wicket winners meaning they had now beaten every side in the Division at least once and completed an incredible 8-match, winning streak. A return to Reed HQ saw many drinks had, with stories and congratulations shared. Many a toast was made to the team’s success and the team’s spirit which in itself is a huge testament to the culture created under the leadership of Marcus Martin and Phil Frenay. They now lead the side into a new Division with new challenges but their side will no doubt back them to the hilt and continue to show the fight and skill that has made them three-time title champions.
Report submitted by MJEB.
