Reed acquitted themselves well on Saturday in the Herts Cup Finals at Haileybury, but eventually had to settle for fourth place behind the big town clubs of Langlebury, Hemel Hempstead and Letchworth.

Andrew Wholly gave them a flying start in the semi-final taking 3-13, but the batting could not respond on a damp wicket with only William Heald (15) and Chris Phillipo witha flashing unbeaten 24 posing a threat to a penetrative Hemel attack. Reed fell 15 runs short of Hemel’s 94-6.

In the play-off Phillopo struck with the ball, taking 2-23, but Letchworth set a high target on a drying wicket. After early loses, Reed’s hopes lay with Conrad Wellstead who smashed a defiant 62 in a partnership with Matt Bowles (19 not out), but 3 run outs in the scramble for runs left Reed 12 runs short of their target. Fourth place is still a fantastic achievement for the small village side.