SATURDAY:
There were wins for the 1sts and 2nds and a loss for the 3rds in the final round of Herts League matches.

At Chorleywood, the 1st XI defended their 155 all-out to win by 23 runs. Tom Greaves snared 3 wickets and there were 2 each for Jack Tidey, Ed Wharton and Rob Lankester. Lankester also scored 25 earlier but Reed’s top-scorer was Chris Jackson with 38.

In the final table of the Championship, Reed stayed in 4th position. West Herts were top and are promoted. Hoddesdon came second but next week have to play-off against Hertford who came 9th in the Premier Division to decide “Premier” status in 2018. Chorleywood and Botany Bay are relegated from the Championship.

On the Green, the unlikely destroyer for Reed 2nd XI in their clash against Hoddesdon was Matthew L. Bowles. Not only did he take 5 wickets (for only 11 runs), but the last 3 completed a rarely seen hat-trick! Peter Tidey in his last game took 2 wickets as did George Garrott. Ed Garrott (33 not out) and Karl Ward (24 not out) took the Seconds home after being 46 for 5 at one stage.

Hoddesdon may have lost this match but still managed runners-up spot in Division 4B. Harpenden were in 1st place and both are promoted. Hertford and Broxbourne are relegated but Reed held onto a respectable 4th position.

In Division 9A, Potten End finished their season 97 points clear at the top of the table. They are headed for a higher standard and possibly could achieve Division 6 in three more seasons. Second-placed West Herts will also be promoted next season whilst Hemel Hempstead and Bayford & Hertford take the drop. Reed Thirds were secure in 7th spot.

In the match, although Potten End scored 233 in their 50 overs, they did lose 9 wickets with 2 apiece going to Joe Graves, Julien Fynn and Matt Yates. Julien was Reed’s top-scorer with 30 in the reply that sadly petered-out at 83 all out.

All the SHPCL results and divisional tables may be seen at www.hertsleague.co.uk

SUNDAY:
The Reed faithful travelled to watch the Reed Sunday XI play their traditional friendly at Little Hadham. The hosts scored 166 for 6 which was 33 more than Reed managed in their reply. Rob Lankester was Reed’s top-scorer with 48, but by still having 1 wicket in-hand, Reed held on for the draw.

Expect match reports to follow shortly.

PGB