Reeds 1st XI started off their Saracens League season at home to Hertford IIs. Hertford won the toss and got off to a solid start until the dangerous looking Rob Carter was run out with the score on 27. With stalwart Pete Tidey tying up one end with his legendary swing bowling, Richard Johnson just got a further 2 breakthroughs shortly after which saw Hertford struggling at 35-3. But a captains innings from opener Simon Watson (93) and some able support from the other batsman saw Hertford get 181 for 7 in their 53 overs. Tidey bowled a marathon spell throughout the innings taking 2 for 80 whilst Richard Jerome also took 2 wickets.

In reply Reeds batsman found the old ball and some experience bowling from Hertford a struggle. 3 of Reeds top 6 were out without troubling the scorer, which left Chris Jackson to anchor the innings. Baz Curtis tried to up the tempo after a defensive start hitting Carter for 3 fours in an over, before being caught by a superb catch from the wicket keeper for 21. Jackson reached another classy 50 whilst batting with Ray Kingshott (12) however once Kingshott was out a Reed win seemed less likely. Jackson kept going for victory until it was unlikely to happen, he was out finally out for 84 and a dogged innings from Jerome enabled Reed to see of the defeat and finish on 143-6 and draw their 1st league game of the season.

Captain Simon Jackson commented ?it was good to get the league season started after a long winter of practice. Our fielding, catching and our general batting was poor but we were indebted to a good long spell from Pete Tidey and a superb innings from Chris Jackson. It was a shame not to get closer to the Hertford score especially with the form that Chris was in. However with players missing and us giving them 30-40 more runs than they should have done a draw was a fair result.? Reed are at home to Bishops Stortford next Saturday and away in the National Village Cup competition on the Sunday to Long Marston.