SATURDAY:
Mitch Cooper was again the top scorer in the 1st XI’s close encounter with Hoddesdon by hitting 53 in Reed’s 151 for 7. Despite 4 wickets from Tom Greaves and 3 by Karl Ward, Hoddie got over the line with only 1 wicket in-hand.

At Hemel Hempstead, the totals and result were similar although in reverse. Hemel scored 150 all out thanks mainly to Marcus Martin removing 5 of the home batsmen. Then Stuart Smith scored sixty-six (alliteration!) in the Second Team’s reply as Reed achieved the target with 8 wickets down.

The Thirds did not play in the “league programme” at Pinner, but instead made the far shorter journey to Weston to play a friendly against Hitchin. Rob Willoughby was in fine form making 94 and Richard Johnson supported him with 78 as Reed closed on 255. Owen Hughes took 3 for 16 with Joe Graves and Chris Jordan taking 2 each as Hitchin fell away for an all-out score of 126.

SUNDAY:
At Aston, the Sunday XI won by 5 wickets chasing a total of 154 for 8. Bill Mansfield took 5 Aston wickets for 41 before Toby Fynn (66) and Rob Lankester (50 not out) guided Reed home in the 36th over.

For those who don’t know already, the National Village Cup Semi-Finals were played on Sunday. Colwall (Herefordshire) 238 for 6 overcame Carlton Towers (North Yorkshire) 147 for 5 in 32 overs by being ahead on run rate when bad light stopped play. Down in Somerset, Hertfordshire’s Redbourn knocked-off North Perrott’s score of 160 for 9 in only 22 overs with 8 wickets in-hand.

The NVC Final organised by The Cricketer will be at Lord’s on Saturday 19th September but unfortunately the players and their supporters will not be able to enjoy the same experiences that we at Reed have had in our three Finals days because the match will be held behind closed doors. Good luck to both Clubs, but perhaps a little more to Rebourn who you will remember beat our “2nd XI” in Round 1. Redbourn are having a very good season and have lost only one match in the SHPCL to date, so have a great chance to lift the National Village Championship Cup (to give it its full title) at Lord’s.

PGB