Reed II 2nd XI outside chance of promotion disappeared on Saturday when they were soundly beaten by Elstree first team.

Chasing a huge total of 255, Reed were always in the hunt whilst Stuart Smith was at the crease. His magnificent 100 full of powerful shots to all parts of the ground kept hopes alive until he was ninth man out with the score on 164. Unfortunately only Richard Johnson (38) showed any resistance and with Smith they put on 60 for the fourth wicket.

Earlier Reed’s bowlers had restricted the opposition to 94-5 after 23 overs with Johnson claiming the first three wickets with a series of missed chances allowing Elstree’s skipper, Dunn, to also score a ton and their sixth wicket put on a further 150. Reed will need to take maximum points from their last five games to stand any chance of remaining in the promotion hunt.