At the end of a disappointing season in the Premier League, the Firsts left it with a spirited display against perennial powerhouses Welwyn. Having inserted the opposition, skipper Tom Greaves must have been delighted to see them reduced to 15 for 3 thanks to an opening attack of Matt Giblin (2 for 16) and Toby Fynn (1 for 28). However the entry of ex-England star Owais Shah and Mohammed Rizvi proved to be match changing as the pair built a stand of 112, despite some economical bowling from this year’s find, Kapil Dave, who conceded just 28 runs from his 10 overs and often troubled the batsmen. When Shah was finally stumped by Sean Tidey off Greaves for 62 it only served to bring in Van Der Westhuisen who contributed 38 in another century stand with Rizvi. 51 came from the last 4 overs as Rizvi finished on 125 not out, although Rupert Martin took two wickets in the last over as Welwyn totalled 250 for 6.
Reed started in fine form with Rob Lankester (47) and William Heslam (41) compiling a century opening stand, only for both to be dismissed pulling in consecutive overs. Greaves then took responsibility for the scoring, making 35 in quick time, only to be out caught in similar fashion. With the innings now petering out, Tidey took control hitting 5 boundaries, but he could not protect the tail and was bowled attempting another big hit, last out for 29. Reed made a commendable total of 189, despite a number of regular players being unavailable.
Although they only won two games during the season, another half a dozen were close run affairs, so Reed can take heart from their first foray in the top division, especially as a number of first eleven players either missed most or all of the matches.
Match report submitted by Peter Wholley.
