Even without skipper, Tom Greaves, Reed’s renowned bowling attack once again forced a victory when Flitwick seemed to be on target to halt their unbeaten run.
Chasing 180, Rumesh Bhuddika (30) and David Powles (25) had doubled the host’s score to 106-3 with nearly half of their allotted overs left. However, both were dismissed by Zac McGuigan and Toby Fynn – then Sean Tidey (3-9), Fynn (1-26) and Ed Wharton, who had made the initial breakthroughs with 2-31, conceded just 8 runs from the next 8 overs. As a result, Flitwick collapsed to 130 all out, including a sensational diving catch by Rob Lankester behind the stumps off the bowling of Jack Tidey. Mention should also be made of McGuigan who also bowled captain George Thurstance, their potential match winner, for 34.
Reed were put in with the game reduced to 39 overs on a slow, damp outfield with a wicket conducive to Flitwick’s spin attack.Therefore Wharton’s customarily rapid 42 was particularly commendable, especially as he was caught one-handed on the boundary attempting a second maximum. It was then left to stand-in captain Lankester to marshal the innings with a patient 60, supported by a run-a-ball 28 from Stuart Smith and some lusty blows by the Tidey brothers. 180 for 8 proved to be easily defensible thanks to Reed’s bowlers.
Reed now lie second in the table, just 2 points behind Hoddesdon leading into the first of the “timed matches” against third placed Shenley Village.
Report submitted by Peter Wholley.
