Reed 2nd XI went down to a strong Ware side on Saturday in a reduced overs game in some tough conditions.

Losing the toss and being put into bat, Reed failed to adjust to the wet and windy conditions despite Ben Bowles and James Bell getting them off to a decent start. Both openers played some classy and positive shots before the wet conditions got the better of Bell (14) and a ball skidded through to bowl him. Matt Bowles, Richard Poole and Harry Picton-Turbivell all came and went without troubling scorer Jason Archer too much. Ben Bowles (15), looking good and set was then given a harsh LBW decision to leave Reed reeling.

Ian Fulk and Karl Ward did put up some resistance before Fulk (18) was caught behind. Ward (20) however decided to take the game to Ware, and proceeded to smash star bowler Jones for 4 fours in one over before he was given out in bizarre circumstances, being caught after clearly hitting the ball into the ground.

Youngster Fergus Martin was brought to the crease and batted maturely and superbly with the tail, the man of the match finishing on 25 (not out) helping Reed to a respectable 145-9 off of their allotted 50 overs.

In reply Ware started very strongly, despite a decent opening spell of bowling by Harry Picton-Turbivell and Jason Archer. Ian Roberts was then introduced into the Reed attack and took two wickets, both thanks to stunning catches. First was young starlet Harry Picton-Turbivell holding onto a powerful low drive in the covers. The second was courtesy of Richard Poole, who held onto a high catch over his shoulder in stunning fashion.

Despite this, Reed got no more joy as Ware deservedly won by 8 wickets with 28.3 of their allotted 44 overs used.