Reed 1st XI ended the League season with a flourish as they overpowered Dunstable IIs by 8 wickets, leaving them at a well earned 6th in Division 2 of the Saracens Herts League.

Winning the toss, captain Simon Jackson gambled by inserting the opposition on a batting paradise. Yet, once again, his bowlers proved they were up to the job, as Michael Berks (13-1-33-4) tore into the opposition early on leaving them 4-2. His devastating opening spell was solidly supported by Reed stalwart Peter Tidey at the other end who battled on throughout the searing afternoon heat in a mammoth 23 over spell for 32 runs, where he picked up 3 key wickets at crucial intervals. Berks re-introduction into the attack saw him pick up another couple of scalps, as Will Clarke snared a couple of late tailenders at the end of the innings (10.4 – 4 – 44-2). Only T Light (25) and A Gupp (35) provided any resistance as the visitors crumpled to 119 all out after 46.4 overs.

Reed’s reply began tragically as Tom Fulk (1) ended a very productive and encouraging league season with a frustrating innings as an cruel deflection clipped his leg stump. With Heslam (16) also removed cheaply soon after from a marginal LBW decision, it looked as if Dunstable may be able to produce a shock, until Baz Curtis (44*) and Chris Jackson (42*) stabilised the ship by taking the game away from Dunstable, powering Reed to a comprehensive victory in 26.1 overs.

Simon Jackson commented after the game: “Its been a great season. Having been promoted twice in two years it was always going to be a tall order replicating that, but I think we did ourselves proud. Perhaps, had we managed to flip a couple of marginal draws into wins, we may have been in with a shout of promotion. I?d like to thank all the lads for their continued effort all year and we look forward to being in with a strong shout for Division 1 next year?”