The perfect overhead bowling conditions did little to help Reed’s guests Hemel Hempstead III at The Green as opening batsman Richard Barlow and Richard Johnson put on a century stand. Having been inserted by Hemel, Reed were keen to bounce back from the disappointments of the week before and so put their trust in two of the club’s classiest stroke makers.
Both were in imperious form, running rings around the opposition fielders. With the prospect of a big score Reed were in a buoyant mood however the drinks break was enough time to break the concentration of Barlow who fell short of fifty. Johnson and number three Stuart Smith took little time in making up for lost time as Smith counter attacked. With 200 close on the horizon Smith fell to a well taken catch behind by the keeper standing up.
Closing in on his maiden second team century Johnson was allowed to be nervous but a mix up between the batsmen after both thought the ball had ricocheted beyond the bowler saw Johnson’s incredible innings end with him just seven short of three figures.
With time running out Reeds big final score was diminishing rapidly with some sensible bowling and field placements from Hemel. But contributions from Ed Garrott, M.J.E. Baker and George Garrott saw Reed post a still intimidating 255 for 6.
In the second innings, with rain starting to fall, Reed were keen to get through the overs to make sure that if rain did stop play they had enough overs under their belt to constitute a match. Therefore opening with the evergreen Peter Tidey was the skipper Marcus Martin. The ploy seemed a good one as Martin struck straight away. Pete Tidey removed the threatening opposition skipper soon after and Reed looked in control. However, a counter attacking innings from the Hemel number 4 saw things take a bleak turn for the hosts. Catches were going down thanks mainly to the wet ball. The soaked outfield also allowed the ball to accelerate to the boundary.
George Garrott and Josh Conley turned the tide back in Reed’s favour but Hemel were still in with a chance. An eighth wicket partnership took the visitors to the brink. Reed could not believe that the victory was literally slipping through their hands.
Suddenly a catch from nowhere from Marcus Martin re-inspired his men and Reed were back in it. A run out followed. From the final over Hemel required just eight. Reed were able to get the Hemel number eleven on strike and unfortunately for them he came down the wicket in search of glory only to find dead air as his swing missed the ball and Tim Tidey whipped off the bails to leave Reed victors.
Three games in, Reed find themselves top of the division. However, all of the players although no doubt pleased will be aware that it may not be a true reflection of their efforts thus far and more due to the weather effected results of other matches. Reed have not yet quite hit their straps so far this season. The positive to take is that despite this, Reed are in a good position and with better performances to come.
Report submitted by MJE Baker.
