Reed Sunday XI versus The Archway Ladder CC at Reed on Sunday 10th September 2017. Hastily arranged after Waresley dropped-out on Friday, The Archway Ladder CC travelled up from London to find a still damp pitch after the downpours on Friday and Saturday. Richard Robertson and Peter Wholley worked hard to make it playable and only a half-hour’s delay was necessary before play commenced. An opening stand of 47 in 10 overs between William Heslam and Richard Barlow set Reed on the way before Barlow was surprised by a lifter and gloved it to slip for 10. Tom Greaves was at number 4 and both he and Will Heslam made half-centuries before departing. Heslam for 51 and Greaves for 59. MJE Baker hung around for 26 but the eventual total of 178 for 7 was perhaps a little under par. Rosemary Collins had prepared her usual high-quality teas for the last Sunday home fixture of the season by which time rain was falling outside. The showers came and went (and came back again!) but ALCC’s opener, Walsh, led the way with an attacking 62. Patel, Aslam and Sherwood provided support lower down the order as ALCC maintained a superior run-rate throughout the innings. Reed fought back with wickets falling to Giblin, Graves, Yates and O Hughes. Then off-breaker Greaves claimed the last 3 wickets to fall although it was too late; the visitors winning by 3 wickets in ever-increasing rainfall. Report submitted by PGB.