Reed U13s win again…. In a low-scoring game, the efficient bowling of the U13s paid dividends.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat, Reed got off to a flyer, scoring 17 off the first two overs, before a flurry of wickets left Reed reeling. With Daniel Vincent (1), Charlie Hawker (1) and Tash McNamara (0) back in the shed and Reed on 27 for 3 in the 5th over.
Charlie Cannon came on for a quick-fire 8 before being bowled, quickly followed by Aaron Nash (1). Reed were on 52 for 5 in the 7th over and things were looking ominous.
Callum was running out of partners, and running out of time before enforced retirement on 30…. With Eddie Cook coming in to bat, the familiar partnership settled things down… Scoring steadily for 4 overs before Eddie top-edged one to the keeper for 5. With the retirement total in his sights, Callum attempted to launch one but was caught on 29.
Things were looking familiar with Stanley Johnson joining Matthew Barons in the middle… The partnership that just failed to get Reed over the line against Hertford earlier in the season. This time around, Matthew forcing the singles (lesson learned), scoring a season-best 10 runs before being caught out. Stanley (1) saw the innings home with Lily Hall (0).
Reed scored 94 runs, and needed to bowl well.
And Reed’s bowling was first class…. Daniel Vincent opened the innings with a maiden, followed by just 3 runs off Callum Ricketts first over. Hertford got two boundaries off Daniel’s second over, but when he finished his spell, Daniel had a second maiden… 3-2-0-12. Keeping an over in hand for the end, Callum added to the maiden tally.
Hertford had 20 off the first 5 overs. 1st change was Charlie Cannon and Lily Hall. Charlie took a wicket with his first over (excellent catch from Eddie Cook). Lily was uncharacteristically expensive with her first over, but ended on 3-1-0-17. Charlie took a double-wicket maiden with his second over – including a smart stumping by Aaron Nash – and kept his last over in reserve.
Hertford were struggling on 34 for 3 off 9. Gethin Hill joined the bowling line up and kept it tight 2-0-0-7, and Aaron Nash (having handed Wicket Keeping duties to Daniel Vincent) joined the party, 3-0-1-9. Charlie retuned the favour from earlier in the innings – taking a superb running catch off Eddie Cooks bowling (2-0-1-3).
With Matthew Barons bowling the 17th over and Hertford chasing the Reed total – they went after the youngster, scoring 12 off the over.
Hertford were on 68 for 5 in the 18th when Charlie Cannon returned, keeping it tight and finishing on 3-1-3-7. With Hertford needing 25 off the final over, Reed set a defensive field and Callum took centre stage, taking 3 in 4 balls to finish on 3-2-3-3.
Hertford finished on 75 runs. Everyone played their part – a quality team victory.
Match report submitted by Lee Vincent.
