Even with the village cup game on the Sunday and the England game on the Saturday Reed still had a strong side out for the Herts League game against Old Albanians. Influential Chris Jackson was not selected on the day of the game, due to concerns of his fitness for the big game on Sunday.

After winning 3 league games on the bounce, Reed got off to the worst start possible with the inform Baz Curtis being caught of the 1st ball of the game. Reed struggled throughout the whole of their innings due to tight bowling and a demanding wicket to bat on. Simon Jackson (20) and Andy Young (23) showed some resistance as Reed were bowled out for 121 in the 47th over. Young (2 for 32) continued his great performance on the day by bowling a hostile spell of fast bowling in tandem with Pete Tidey.

OA’s were 34 for 4 when ex-County player and paid coach M Dale came to the wicket. His unbroken partnership of 90 with J Smithers saw the visitors home with over 20 overs to spare. Simon Jackson said “we batted poorly and 9 of our players were caught out. The wicket was not easy to bat on however the difference in class of their coach showed when he batted. Youngsie bowled very fast and caused lots of problems to the batsman and when we got them 4 down we thought we may have a chance.”