Reed 1st XI versus Preston 1st XI.
Regional Final, (Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Group), National Village Cup, 2019.
Reed made short work of the Beds & Herts Regional Final by bowling out Preston for 104 in the 36th over then cracking 105 for 2 within 15 overs. Initially, Preston got off to a good start thanks to some powerful drives by James Stevens (23), but once he was snaffled by a diving Rob Lankester at backward point off Jack Tidey’s bowling, the visitors lost regular wickets although number 4, Morecroft put up some resistance with 27. Toby Fynn and the elder Tidey bowled a good line and length and this combined with some excellent ground fielding, put Preston under pressure. Tom Greaves and Mitchell Copper replaced them and snared 2 wickets each then Sean Tidey contributed another. Meanwhile, Jack Caine came on from the other end and cleaned up the tail taking an excellent 4 for 13.
Reed’s openers got the innings off to a flying start with Richard Wharton hitting the first delivery, (which was a No Ball), for a six! Even though he fell soon after, Reed were without mercy as the belligerent Sean Tidey scored an array of shots round the Green in his 65. Rob Lankester was 27 not out when Reed overhauled Preston’s total with 8 wickets in hand.
Stoke Green CC won the Buckinghamshire Final and will be Reed’s next opponents in the 5th Round. This will be at Reed on Sunday 23rd June starting at 1300hrs.
Match Report submitted by PGB.
