Reed played Hertingfordbury for the first time and came away defeat. Reed lost the toss and were put into bat by the home side on a slow, damp wicket.

Reed lost opener James Heslam with the score on 2, but Chris Shorrock and Paul Watts mended some of the damage with a solid partnership of 24. Shorrock was bowled by Bracken for 12 and this brought in Richard Jerome. He and Watts put on 50 before Watts got a leading edge and was caught and bowled for a fine 19.

Jerome now joined by Baz Curtis started to open his shoulders. He smashed 6, 4s in his 65, but to show how lush the outfield was, he also ran 8, 2s and a 3. Curtis was bowled with 2 balls to go for 25 and need declared on 158-5.

Reed needed early wickets, but it was until the home side had nerly reached 50 that Jason Archer struck with the help of a fine catch by Curtis. Ian Roberts had conceded just 13 runs from his 8 overs, but the Reed attack has no answer to Palmer for smashed the ball to all parts in his 96 not out. Richard Jerome and Neil Haslam both took a wicket each, but it was never going to be enough as Hertingfordbury reached their target with a comfortable 5 overs to spare.

Both sides could meet again in the National Village Cup if they both win their respected games in next weeks second round.