2015 Saturday 1st XI v Totteridge Millhillians Archives

Reed 1st XI unfortunate in close defeat

Reed 1st XI were unfortunate not to defeat Herts Championship leaders Totteridge Milhillians on Saturday in a closely fought encounter. Reed won the toss and elected to chase. On a Totteridge Milhillians track that tends to play better than opposing teams might expect and a lightening outfield and short boundaries it was no surprise Totteridge’s fine batting line up got off to a good start. Overseas player Hayden Butterworth (121) and Chris Mason (51) reached 116-0 although they were kept down in run rate particularly once spinners Tom Greaves (18-2-81) and Reece Fitzgerald (11-0-41) came on and bowled very well. During this period Reed suffered a first bit of misfortune when Butterworth received the benefit of the doubt over a possible catch in the gully off the bowling of Jack Tidey (10-1-54) when on 16. Greaves managed to deservedly take two wickets before lunch leaving the home side 134-2 off 34 overs. Unfortunately after lunch Totteridge Milhillians through Butterworth and ex-Derbyshire Steve Selwood (51) kicked on well and reached 226-2 off 47 overs and a big score looked probable. However the determined Reed bowling attack who had bowled pretty well all afternoon had other ideas. Phil Lill (9-3-42) and wicket keeper / off break sensation Sean Tidey (5-3-26) came on and got a couple of crucial breakthroughs which then exposed the Totteridge Milhillians lower middle order who were unable to perform to the level of the top order and the home side collapsed to 264 all out in 58 overs. This left Reed in a decent position to challenge the total on a free scoring ground, although knowing it would be tricky against the Totteridge spin attack including ex-England captain John Emburey and Butterworth. James [...]

1st XI. Totteridge Batting proves too much

On Saturday Reed entertained a Totteridge Millhillians side that included former England spinner John Emburey. Reed lost the toss and were asked to field. Jack Tidey and Toby Fynn opened the bowling but unfortunately could not find a breakthrough early on. Skipper James Heslam turned to spin and was immediately rewarded as Tom Greaves (10-1-45-3) picked up the wicket of Le Fort for 23. O'Brien joined Butterworth and together they built a partnership of 43 before Greaves struck again as O'Brien was caught by Heslam for 18. 78-2 became 84-3 as Greaves struck in his next over removing Butterworth LBW for 33. At this time, Totteridge had ex Derbyshire batsman Selwood and Mason. Selwood took charge scoring boundaries on a regular basis. Mason (5) was the next man to go lbw to Fynn. By this time Selwood was set and was well supported by Sutcliffe (9), Sogbudjar (10) Mahmood (9) and Fletcher (9 not out). Selwood finished 125 not out (18x4 2x6), a huge contribution as Totteridge finished 270-7 from their 50 overs. Reeds reply started well scoring 14 off the first over. However Reed were 19-1 in the third over as Sean Tidey was removed for 9. James Heslam was joined by Tom Greaves as they tried to build a big partnership however Greaves was dismissed after before bowled by Mahmood (9.2-0-43-3) for 6. 34-2. Heslam (18) was dismissed the next over after being adjudged stumped and Reed were now 47-3. Stuart Smith and Chris Jackson set about rebuilding Reeds innings, this didn't go to plan as Jackson was brilliantly caught and bowled by Butterworth for 7. Smith was joined by the big hitting local lad Mitchell Cooper. Together the put on 49 for [...]