Reed slumped to surprising defeat at home on Saturday to Watford Town. With minnows Reed higher in the league than their big name opposition and also in rich vein of form, Reed were looking to continue their winning streak. However after Simon Jackson lost the all important toss on a wet wicket which helped the Watford bowlers with excessive seam and swing.

Reed lossed in form James Heslam for 0 in the 1st over of the innings. Tom Fulk and Chris Jackson repaired some of the damage with a partnership of 35 before Jackson was out clean bowled for 18. After losing Baz Curtis and Stuart Smith both for 0, Reed were struggling at 45 for 5. Despite some hard graft from Richard Jerome, Simon Jackson and Ben Bowles Reed were bowled out for a very poor 79.

In reply Reed got off to a good start with a couple of early wickets. However as the game went on batting became easier and Watford finally won easily by 8 wickets. Michael Berks took one wicket for 43 off 9 overs and was the pick of the bowlers.

Reed captain Simon Jackson said “I was very disappointed by the display, especially as we had been playing so well recently. It was not easy batting on the wicket however we should never have been bowled out for 79. There wasn’t too many rash shots either just lots of disciplined bowling from Watford. Hopefully we can get back to our best on Saturday against Broxbourne, with a full 1st team except for keeper Stuart Smith. It will be
great to have Chris Shorrock and Ray Kingshott back”