In the final fixture of the season, Reed’s Sunday side, led by stand-in skipper Matt Giblin, travelled to the picturesque Stansted Hall & Elsenham ground. Fielding just 9 players, Matt lost the toss and Reed were sent in to bat.

Opening up for Reed were Rich Barlow and Scott Nash, who set the side off to a great start, with Nash in particular looking to dominate the opening attack. Nash fell for a quick-fire knock that included 5 fours and 3 sixes. Barlow continued in fine form, batting sensibly to reach his fifty. He then accelerated, alongside the able Will Archer who together added 110 for the second wicket. Will played some glorious shots, including some lofted drives over the infield, before an unfortunate run-out left him just short of his own fifty.

Barlow eventually fell agonisingly close to his hundred at 90, in a superb innings containing 17 boundaries. Some quickly scored runs from Giblin (18) and youngster Matt Ladds (28 not out) led Reed to a final total of 235 off their 40 overs. A competitive total on a wicket that offered something for both bat and ball.

Reed took to the field, and got off to the best possible start, with opening bowler Aiden Woodcock taking 2 wickets in his first over. Aiden continued to bowl superbly, beating the bat on many occasions. Steve Hughes supported him well from the opposite end, but was unlucky not to be rewarded for some generally tight lines. However, Stansted Hall’s captain Jacob Talbot led a strong counter attack, forcing the Reed fielders to the fence, as he hit countless boundaries and reached an immaculate century at the point where his team had scored just over 120 runs. Joe Graves and Owen Hughes bowled well, as did Will Archer who made two well-deserved inroads to the Stansted middle order (8-1-22-2). However, it was the hero for the day, Rich Barlow who finally made the much-needed breakthrough of skipper Talbot, taking a blinding caught and bowled catch, during his one over spell.

From this point onwards, the game looked to be in Reed’s hands. Youngster Matt Ladds bowled an excellent closing spell (5-0-6-1) claiming his first wicket in Open-Age (Adult) cricket to add to his earlier run tally. When two wickets fell to the part time spin of Joe Graves, the game for Reed was won. Stansted’s 9 men finished 150 all out, with Reed winning by 85 runs.

An enjoyable game for all and great way to end the season.

Match report submitted by Matt Giblin.