Without key batter/captain, Rob Lankester, and spearhead, Jack Tidey, who were both injured in the previous game Reed faced Leverstock Green, who had steamrollered them on The Green in June for just 80 runs. However, stand-in Captain, William Heslam won the toss, put his hosts in and saw his opening bowlers take out both Aussie danger men for a paltry 8 runs. Heslam, himself, completing the catches and then made it a third when he pouched the other opener off the bowling of Sam Edkins. The latter completed his best spell of the Summer (10-3-20-3) as Littlejohn and captain, Troy Henry, pushed the score to 130. Reed came back again with Tom Greaves, Will Archer and a returning Julien Fynn (2-36) putting the brakes on with a wicket apiece. Littlejohn and another veteran Charlie Mahanama battled back to take the score to 198-8 although Archer (2-44) claimed the scalp of Mahanana, Greaves taking a running catch in the deep. Littlejohn, who had strained his groin mid innings finished remarkably, hobbling to 85 not out.
Reed set off in Village Cup mode with Heslam leading the way. His 39 contained 7 boundaries as he and Kallum Ward put on 66 in just 13 overs. When Greaves was adjudged out leg before at 89-2 the match was in the balance especially when two quick wickets fell. But cometh the hour …. up stepped Mitchell Cooper, rolling back the years. He smote 52 at run a ball with six boundaries and two maximums to finish the game 52 not out. All the while, Ward was playing an unaccustomed role as anchor, still dotting his 97 ball 57 not out with 5 boundaries and a trademark six. So Reed reached their target in under 40 overs with the loss of 4 wickets.
The First XI’s tenth win of the season will guarantee them promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking if they can take 4 points from the final match v Redbourn, who could also be promoted if they win. Reed need just 11 points to ensure they return as champions. An exciting game in prospect next Saturday ….