At 127-8 Reed were staring down the barrel, but a belligerent knock from recently appointed Club Chairman, Stuart Smith (59, including 2 x 6’s and 6 x 4’s) steered the home side to a total of 170. Other than Smith, only Rob Lankester (21) and Chris Jackson (19) looked settled at the crease and Reed must have feared the worst at the break.
However, a devastating opening spell by pacemen Ed Wharton (7-3-13-3) and Jack Tidey (7-2-26-2) bowling in tandem in the league for the first time soon had Sawbridgeworth on the ropes at 37-5. Some tidy support from Tom Greaves (8-3-18-1) and Toby Fynn (8-1-21-2) reduced the visitors, who were in the Premiership last season, to 59-8. A stubborn ninth wicket stand of 46, the highest in the match frustrated the Reed bowlers, but two quick wickets by Sean Tidey (4-0-7-1) and Rob Lankester, both caught by Tom Greaves left Sawbridgeworth well adrift at 106 all out.
A fine start to the season by Reed with Stuart Smith the only batsman to score more than 21.
Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
