Reed kicked off the Village Cup weekend with a superb batting performance against a strong Berkhamstead bowling attack in Division 2 of the Herts League. Gaining 17 points in the draw, Reed restricted Berkhamstead to 9.

After losing Tom Fulk early on James Heslam (26) and Chris Jackson (49) set about building a challenging total.

After Heslam fell LBW, Jackson was joined by Baz Curtis who both fell just before reaching their 50s. This left Reed at 130-4, before skipper Simon Jackson (32 not out) and Chris Shorrock (32) repaired the damage leaving Reed on a challenging 237 for 6 off their 53 overs.

In reply Reed got 2 early wickets thanks to the returning Pete Tidey with the old ball. Reed bowled tightly throughout giving Berkhamstead few scoring opportunities, as it became clear that they had no interest in pursuing the total set. As they limped to 164-7 off their 47 overs. After 27 overs, Baz Curtis and Pete Tidey took the new ball for Reed and even this failed to reap any benefit, as the pitch failed to offer any sideways movement for the Reed bowlers. Despite three late wickets in the closing overs, epitomised by Simon Jackson’s silky stumping off his brother’s bowling, it was a disappointing result for the Reed team, who were clearly on top throughout the duration of the game.