Reed took on the challenge of facing previous finalists Findon at the Green on Sunday in the last 32 of the National Village Cup. Reed skipper Tom Greaves was pleasantly surprised when he abnormally lost the toss and was invited to bowl after a week of heavy rain.
Reed opened up with Karl Ward (9-3-26-3) and Mitchell Cooper (9-0-41-3) both looking to take advantage of the beneficial conditions early on. However Findon opener Bridson had other ideas scoring a quick fire 22 immediately putting the hosts under pressure. However with his bullish style of play there was always going to be chances and Cooper had him trapped bang in front in the fourth over. This then led to a flurry of wickets and Findon fell to 49-6 after their promising start. Reed then failed to capitalize on this strong position and Findon cautiously limped their way to 142 with Manser (39 n.o.) and Smith (36) providing the resistance. This was helped by some tight bowling from Greaves (9-3-29-0), Martin (8-1-27-0) and Fitzgerald (5-1-18-1).
This left Reed requiring 143 for a place in the last 16. After losing an early wicket against the new ball Reed never looked in too much trouble with the inform William Heslam (20) and the talented youngster Rob Lankester (26) removing the early pressure. Heslam was then removed after miscuing a drive to mid-wicket which bought the ever reliable Chris Jackson (20) to the crease. Lankester was dismissed not long after and which allowed skipper Greaves (16) to provide the crowd with some entertainment with a quick cameo. Jackson and Greaves were then dismissed in quick succession leaving Reed under pressure at 89-5 still needing 54 to win. Village Cup veterans Smith (26 n.o.) and Sean Tidey (18) took to the crease and removed any kind of pressure by batting sensibly and playing to their strengths. Tidey then fell with just 7 required but by this stage Reed were home and dry. Reed finished the job off 7 down in the 35th over completing a fairly comfortable win.
Reed will now play Sibton Park at the Green on Sunday 12th July as they continue their pursuit for a second appearance at Lords. The bar will be open and a BBQ after the game so all supporters are welcome!
Report submitted by W.G. Heslam.
