Reed 1st XI versus Bledlow Village at Bledlow on Sunday 23rd July 2017. Quarter-Final, National Village Cup. A shadow of gloom descended over the large contingent of travelling Reed supporters when they saw William Heslam and Rob Lankester dismissed early leaving the visitors 17 for 2 in this Quarter-Final match of the National Village Cup. Steadily, Richard Wharton (33) and James Heslam progressed to 69 for 2 at the halfway stage of 20 overs. Bledlow’s opening bowlers, David Pearce (2 for 20) and Matt Pearce (0 for 29) then Mark King in his first spell asked the batsmen probing questions and skipper, Thomas Moore’s field placings were paramount in keeping a tight rein on proceedings. Wharton departed soon after which brought in Sean Tidey at number 5 when the score was 75 for 3. Without any preamble he simply went for his shots and was into double figures within minutes. With each stroke being cheered, the two Reed batsmen pushed the fielders around the compact Buckinghamshire ground which is bordered on one side by the Chinnor & Princes Riseborough Steam Railway at the foot of the Chilterns. Passengers on the slowing steam trains were frequently entertained as Heslam and Tidey built their partnership. Although given a 24-run start, it was Tidey who reached his fifty first and the stand continued to 105 runs when James Heslam was caught and bowled by Hawkes (3 for 38) for a confident 55 which included 2 fours and 2 sixes. By this time, Sean Tidey was into the seventies but he too soon departed after he miscued Goodchild (2 for 21) and presented Moore with a well-taken skyer. Tidey had bludgeoned 5 fours and 6 sixes in his 75 [...]