2022 will be remembered for the incredibly hot summer we had. It was the first time I can remember playing in a game where the overs were reduced due to it being too hot. We played Sandridge and I lost the toss and we were in the field. Simon Jackson was keeping and when he told me he was tired I knew the bowlers must be struggling.
On the pitch there were the usual highs and lows. Personally, getting to Captain the 2’s for a full season was very enjoyable. It meant I could get a bowl which usually only happened on the last game of the season if we had nothing to play for. My second ball of the season was a very short very slow ball to Hewitt from Welwyn. He should have hit it to Barkway but somehow managed to hit it straight back at me for a caught and bowled. I’m sure there’s an old saying there somewhere.
It was good to see the 1st Team get some new players in to strengthen the side. Chris Chambers returned to the club after about 20 years away and Head of recruitment, Bill Mansfield managed to get Bertie Scott to join. It was also great to welcome Zak back from Australia. I think the 1st Team have a lot of strength in depth now and hopefully 2023 will be successful for Tom and the team in both the league and cup.
Where I think 2022 has been most successful is with the development of the young players at Reed. There were a number of outstanding performances from young players across all 3 adult teams. Scott Nash’s 3rd team regularly fielded a number of youth players. A real highlight for me was seeing the 3rd team, made up of a lot of youth players (boys and girls) win a must win game at Freman college on the last day of the season in front of a decent crowd.
Reed has been known for its outstanding youth section for a long time. 10 of the 11 players who won the Village Cup in 2012 came through the youth set up at Reed. (And they are ALL still playing for the club now).
I believe the youth set up now is as strong as ever. After a few years of not that many players coming through to adult cricket, the future is looking really bright with the under 15’s under 13’s under 11’s and under 9’s all having good seasons. Hannah Heslam, Richard Barlow and all the coaches must take a lot of credit for this.
As we all know Reed can only continue to flourish due to the hard work of so many people across the club. Reed is run entirely by volunteers who give up so much of their time to Reed. From running the bar to organising the youth teams to preparing the ground to balancing the books, umpiring, scoring, coaching etc etc There is a core of about 20 people who put so much effort in to the club. They know who they are and I’m not going to call them out individually, but it is really appreciated. We are so lucky to have these willing volunteers but we always need more. Could you do anything else to help the club?
One person I will call out is Cilla Robertson.
Cilla is stepping down from committee after an incredible amount of service to Reed. I joined the club in 1992 and Cilla was already heavily involved in the club then.
Cilla ran the youth set up and was welfare office for a number of years. She is also membership secretary. It is no exaggeration to say that Reed Cricket Club would not be where it is today without the contribution Cilla has made. Thank you Cilla for everything you have done for the club.
So with Christmas around the corner, what will 2023 bring?
Hopefully the weather will be the same as 2022. Hopefully the Village Cup will be different!
Whatever happens, what I can say is I’m really looking forward to it. For me, a few more runs would be nice and maybe even the odd wicket thrown in but mainly seeing players of all ages and all teams doing well for Reed enjoying their cricket.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Stuart Smith
Chairman, Reed Cricket Club.
December 2022.
