After a bruising encounter at Ickleford in the T20 cup, Reed were without 3 experienced players for their league match against Welwyn Garden City. With Callum (Broken Toe), Jamie (Knee) and Daniel (Back) unavailable to bowl, the next few weeks are going to be tough for the U15s players. Fortunately, Daniel is still able to take the field to bat, and his experience in the field will help the younger players coming through. Welwyn won the toss and elected to field.

A completely new opening pairing of Daniel and Eddie saw off the opening bowlers and reached 29 for 0 from 6 overs (with WGC opening bowler Vinnakota going for just 3 runs from his 2 overs) before Eddie was caught on 5 from 22 balls. In an error from the umpires, the batters crossing was not reversed, and Daniel was bowled by a ball that died in the wicket next ball (13 from 18). Then a quickfire 5 from 3 from Charlie Cannon before being caught in the next over. Reed were in trouble.

When Stanley Johnson was caught in the next (9th) over it was up to Lewis Karim and Sam Dawson to make a stand if Reed were to post a defendable score.

A partnership of 31 runs came to an end when Karim (30 from 24) was caught.

Sam continued to show composure in the middle, while a succession of partners were dismissed at the other end. Aaron Nash was run-out for 0; Oliver Tallis Bowled (3); Matthew Barons Run Out (0)

Sam was eventually run out on the penultimate ball for 29 from 34. Lily Hall seeing out the innings.

Reed had made it to 108, which would be tricky to defend with the missing bowlers…..

A new-look opening bowling paring of Eddie Cook and Lewis Karim were punished for any wayward balls and WGC raced to 32 runs from 3.4 overs before Lewis struck, with safe-hands Sam Dawson taking a catch.

By the time Eddie and Lewis had finished their spells, WGC were well ahead in the match.

Eddie (3-0-37-0)
Lewis (2-0-14-1)

Sam Dawson came in to bowl 2 overs, showing a marked improvement in technique ending on 2-0-14-0, Charlie Cannon showed some early-season rustiness (2-0-23-0). Some time in the nets will sort out the wayward wides. Matthew Barons had the unfortunate task of facing two in-form and set batsmen going for 11 runs from his over.

Lily Hall came in to bowl and immediately showed that she has not lost any of the guile and accuracy she demonstrated last season. A run-out with her first ball and a catch with her 5th, Lily finished on 1.2-0-9-1)

WGC cantered to victory in the 12th over, finishing on 109 for 3.

Next up – The ever-powerful Bishop’s Stortford.

Match Report submitted by Lee Vincent.