Champions of England! Not many sporting teams can say – but Reed Cricket Club can after their superb seven-wicket victory at Lord’s on Sunday.
The club based near Royston on Blacksmith’s Lane won the prestigious Village Cup beating Sessay CC at the home of cricket with 25 balls to spare at the glorious venue in St Johns Wood.
Reed have now picked up their second trophy in North West London against rivals from Yorkshire following their win over Woodhouse Grange five years ago.
A club spokesman said: “Well done to everyone connected to the team – thank you for producing a second memorable victory for us to savour.
“Another fantastic day at Lord’s Cricket Ground saw Tom Greaves lead Reed CC onto the pavilion terrace to be presented with the Watson’s National Village Cup.
“Thank you to the hundreds of supporters who travelled to London and vocalised their joy, to those who stayed in touch by social media providing encouragement to the players, and those who followed the fluctuations of the match by radio commentary.
“Thank you too to our numerous advertisers and sponsors who have contributed to Reed CC’s progress and development over the years.”
Reed opener Richard Wharton was instrumental in the victory through his contribution with bat and gloves to prevent Sessay picking up successive titles.
Wharton, 25 – who works as a Special Constable in Hitchin – hit a vital 86 off 113 balls faced.
He also collared two stumpings as the Hertfordshire League Championship club restricted Sessay to 164 for 9 off their allocation of 40 overs.
Reed’s bowlers enjoyed early success from the famed Pavilion End. Wilkie, whose 78 helped Sessay lift the cup seven years ago only managed to reach 15 before he hit Toby Fynn straight to mid-off.
Sessay were reduced to 81 for 6, following Karl Ward snaffling Jacob Spencer leg before. Copper Wharton then produced a superb legside stumping to remove the brother of Yorkshire spinner Karl Carver, Liam.
Hall launched a huge six in the Tavern Stand but Wharton arrested his progress with his second stumping of the match.
Sessay’s Till made the tail wag hitting 46 as the Tykes rallied to reach 164 for 9.
Sessay, who were promoted to the York Senior League this summer had to make early inroads but conditions eased as the clouds dispersed somewhat as the sun made an appearance – allowing easier batting for the North Herts side.
Wharton offered a sharp caught and bowled chance when he was on 21 off Stuart Peirse but settled after to steer his side home, with the trophy clinched with a winning six from Greaves.
The Reed spokesman added: “Reed CC thanks Marylebone Cricket Club for hosting the event at the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground; the NVC organisers, The Cricketer magazine, (www.thecricketer.com); the competition’s sponsors, Watson’s Dairy Products, Gunn & Moore, BOLA Bowling machines, Extra Cover Insurance, Owzat Cricket Products, Greene King, International Cricket Tours and Pipers Crisp Company.
“Additional thanks go to all the staff of these organisations who make the day so memorably special for players and supporters alike.
“We are grateful to Derek Brewer, Chief Executive & Secretary of MCC, Matthew Fleming, MCC President, Simon Hughes, Editor of The Cricketer, and former England player, Alex Tudor, for their time and kind words during the presentation ceremony and post-match Gala Dinner.”
The Cup, adorned with RCC’s coloured ribbons, will soon be on display at Reed once the club have organised a celebration event.
The date and details will be published on the club’s website when known.
Visit www.reedcricketclub.co.uk.
For more on the Watsons Village Cup, click on www.nationalvillagecup.com.
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