Reed 1st XI first match began on Saturday as they kicked off the season at Hertfordshire’s premier ground, Shenley Park. Reed got off to a dismal start as the Shenley Park opening bowler removed Baz Curtis for a duck, but Tom Fulk (34) steadied the ship with a mature innings in conjunction with Chris Jackson (104*). Together they carried the score to a respectable 138 for 1 off 26 overs. However, a devastating over by Buma (2-26) removed Fulk and Richard Jerome (0) in quick succession, and Reed’s effort looked a little fragile.

Unfazed, William Clarke (44) and Jackson continued to amass a healthy partnership to just over 200, with them both punishing some lax bowling. When Clarke was run-out to a misjudged single, Jackson reached his century with a huge blow for six with only 2 balls of the innings to spare reinforcing his position as Division 3 leading batsman from last season. KArl Ward (7*) ably supported Jackson in the closing overs.

Shenley Park’s response was dented early on as Clarke (2-35) had their opener snared at 3rd slip in his second over, but Shenley gained some momentum, and despite three crucial wickets from Peter Tidey (3-36), playing with a nasty hand injury, Jaldarragi (42) and Davanall (31) took root and at one point seemed as though a victory was within sight. Clarke’s reintroduction into the attack ensured the latter was removed, and when Jim Allsopp (1-29) removed Jaldarragi, a victory seemed very unlikely. Richard Jerome (1-26) and Jason Archer (1-29) also contributed with some useful spells.

Despite Sunday’s game at Ealing being rained off, Shenley provided useful pre-league practice for Reed whose 1st XI and 2nd XI won their respective divisions and were promoted last season. Starting in Divisions 2 and 7 of the Saracens Herts League respectively, the League season begins on Saturday May 1st with the first round of the National Village Cup beginning the following day.