Reed faced Datchworth on Sunday in the North Herts league Div 2 knowing a victory was vital for any chance of promotion being achieved to the top flight. Reed’s general in charge of proceedings Jason Archer won the toss and made the bold decision of batting first on a damp wicket. But the decision seemed to be the correct one when Reed openers Tom Fulk and Ed Blisset got of to a solid start in testing conditions putting on 37 in 13 overs before Blisset fell lbw to the impressive Tyler (2-28) for a well constructed 23.

When Tyler struck again removing 1st team star James Heslam for a paltry 4 Reed’s hard work seemed to be in tatters. This didn’t materalise as Marcus Martin joined Fulk at the wicket and together they steadied the ship adding 63 for the 3rd wicket before Martin fell trying to increase the tempo of the Reed innings scoring 23. Then Reed suffered there second collaspe of the innings losing 3 quick wickets.

This brought the Archer to the wicket who with Fulk went on to add a further 44 runs in only 5 overs with Archer finishing on 8 not out. The last 5 overs saw Fulk take the Datchworth bowlers to the cleaners before being run out in the last over for a sumptous 80. Reed ended up on a credible 183 for 7 in there 40 overs, alot more than ever looked likely.

The Datchworth innings got of to a solid start, the opening attack of Reed consisting of Richard Johnson (1-42) and Jim Allsopp (1-42) had there loose balls despatched to the boundary with deadly affect. Datchworth seemed to be cruising at 87 for 1 after 17 overs but Reed then managed to pick up 2 quick wickets one from the very impressive Archer (1-22) and a run out.

But these two wickets brought the dangerman Stroomer into bat to join Brown who was playing extremely well. The two of the went on to put on a match winning 64 to leave Datchworth on 155 for 3 leaving Datchworth needing 29 for victory with 7 wickets remaining in 7 overs.

But Reed legend Clive Collins was introduced into the attack and what an introduction it was by removing Brown for a well made 55 and giving Reed belief they could win the game. Collins provided more heroics in his 2nd over by taking 3 wickets and when Rupert Martin took a wicket in the next over the impossible seemed realistic.

When Collins then removed dangerman Stroomer for a hard hitting 44 by a nerveless catch on the boundary by Ed Blisset. Collins wrapped things up the very next ball trapping Edwards lbw to give Collings awe inspiring figures of 6 for 9 in 3.2 overs. Datchworth managed to lose 7 wickets for only 24 runs and give Reed a vital 4 run victory to take them above Datchworth in the league.