Reed seconds maintained their improved form of recent weeks with a win in an entertaining match against Wheathampstead II which had more twists and turns than an Agatha Christie thriller. Put into bat on a damp and underprepared wicket Reed actually got off to a good start at 34-0 before the now customary middle order collapse saw them crumble to 64-5.

Steve Dunn (19) and Ben Bowles (34) steadied the innings before Ian Roberts (26) gave the bowlers something to think about with a rapid late surge to 156-9. With the wicket still lively Reed were confident their bowlers could give a good account of themselves and defend the total.

However Robins (51) and Ledger came out and took the attack to the Reed bowlers from the word go adding 60-0 in only 9 overs. However both fell to skied chances gratefully accepted by John Heslam and with an additional run out it became 66-3 and game on.

Winchester (25) helped Wheathampstead inch towards the Reed total but the introduction of Jason Archer into the Reed attack swung the game Reeds way. Archer bowled 7 overs 6 maidens 4 for 1 and broke the back of the home sides innings. Graham Wilson making a welcome return to Reeds ranks finished things off with 2-6 as Reed won by 35 runs.