Sampson’s ton in vain, but Reed live to fight another day
Although Reed 1st XI lost to Hoddesdon by 55 runs, more worrying was the score in the other relegation battles and when Langleybury lost by 1 wicket in the penultimate over, a collective sigh of relief was heard around the pavilion. As a result Reed will continue playing in the Championship again next year, leaving Langleybury, Flitwick and Sawbridgeworth to fight for survival next week in the final round of matches. Reed’s game was dominated by two unbeaten tons: 102 by the visitors' Ross Clarke and 123 by Matt Sampson. The latter, however, was crucial to Reed’s total of 222 as Rob Lankester’s 22 was the next highest score in their innings. Once again Reed’s attack struggled to bowl out the opposition, although the spin of Sean Tidey (2-50) and Matt Bowles (2-63) accounted for 4 of the six wickets to fall. In addition, Tom Greaves bowled a very tight spell, conceding just 21 runs from his 10 overs. Although Sampson’s knock was chanceless until he reached 99, he spooned a high chance to mid-off, but the on-rushing fielder dropped it and he scampered through for his century to a standing ovation from the Reed faithful as he celebrated his second ton this season. Match Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
