It was Reed Frist XI’s local league clash of the season on Saturday, as they played away to Braughing, who are in desperate need of a win. It was Reed who prospered, as skipper Simon Jackson steered his side to a crushing 8 wicket victory over Adrian Jackson’s men, who now lie languishing in relegation zone.

But whilst it was Simon Jackson who snatched the spoils of victory, Michael Berks was the central Reed figure who spearheaded the humiliating assault, by snatching another 5 wicket haul for a mere 34 runs. The Braughing top order of Manser, Gerrard, Radbourne and Chambers Jr. all clearly struggled against some venomous new ball bowling. Combined with Clarke (13-6-30-4) at the other end, Berks reduced the home side to a mocking 36-7. Backed up by some first class fielding, it took just 27.2 overs to demolish Braughing for a paltry 65. No batsman settled, not even the captain who registered his second successive league duck against Reed in 2 seasons.

Reed’s reply was in stark contrast to Braughing’s effort, with Curtis (29) and Heslam (24) opening in typically aggressive fashion to forge a solid 44 run first wicket partnership off 9 overs. The highlight was undoubtedly Heslam’s 10 run binge off ex-Reed Colt Chris Chambers’ first two deliveries. With menacing clouds gathering on the horizon, and imminent rain, Reed in their hurry lost two unnecessary wickets. Gary Bridge and Chris Jackson polished off the required runs with ease. This now marks the seventh week where Reed lie unbeaten in league cricket (5 victories, 2 winning draws), and a continued period of misfortune for the Braughing bunch who are now struggling to stay afloat in Division 4.