It’s Autumn in Hadham
In Reed's Sunday XI fixture versus Little Hadham at Little Hadham there was a real autumnal feel to the day with dull, dampish conditions, very little warmth and longer than usual grass on the outfield owing to a puncture on the host’s mower during the week! Despite this, Little Hadham, in old-style village cricket tradition, batted first and declared at teatime on 166 for 6. David Ellis had made 54 and Paul Elby scored 42 with all 6 wickets being shared one each by Neil Haslam, Owen Hughes, Ollie Sayers, Kieran McKinna, Ross Gardner and Toby Emes. After the tea interval, Reed had 60 minutes plus 20 overs to reach their goal. Sadly, wickets fell cheaply to Arif and A. Singh until there was short respite while Peter Baker knocked 16 and Kieran McKinna 8. Then the Under 12 duo of Sam Osborne (15) and Ross Gardner (4) batted confidently mid-innings; (Osborne on debut in Open-Age cricket and Gardner in his second match). Skipper Rob Lankester batting at number 8 took on the challenge by scoring 48 but when he was out, (one of S. Singh’s 3 wickets), Reed required 62 runs from 5 overs. Joe Graves (18) and Ian Osborne (8 not out) battled gamefully and bolstered the total enabling Reed to hold-out for the draw, 9 wickets down, on 133. Report submitted by PGB.
“The Lawn Ranger” rides again as Joe Graves hits maiden century
It's always such a pleasure when, as a captain, you get to witness the improvement that a player makes over the course of time. For Joe Graves, the fourth of September 2016 will always stick with him as the day the label of batting potential was replaced with the label of proven ability. Having won the toss and electing to bat, Marcus J.E. Baker saw his side make a gentle start with Peter Baker and Jack Childs making a stable platform for the team. 46 was on the board when Childs was caught for 21. Graves, in at 3, played a mature and measured innings as he played himself in before cashing in against the bad balls. He soon overtook Baker and rushed towards his maiden half-century and made a century partnership with the veteran. Baker himself closing in on a deserved fifty decided on the ultimate sacrifice when he retired on 46 allowing others to have their chance at the crease with overs running out. Young Ben Mansfield accepted this opportunity with an impressive 36 not out. But it was Graves that took the applause as he continued to play in the same well-tempered manner that has seen him score throughout the season. Realising his potential he brought up three figures taking Reed to a final total of 249 for 4. In the second innings tight bowling and good fielding restricted the oppositions scoring. The bowlers were rotated giving nearly everyone a turn with wickets going to Owen Hughes, Childs, Rob Lankester, Neil Haslam and M.J.E. Baker. Reed easily winning by 104 runs. Report submitted by MJEB.
Sunday XI v. Little Hadham (Away)
Please note: This is a change of opposition and venue from that printed in the Fixture Card.