REED ROMP TO PROMOTION PLACE
Saturday saw Reed First XI bounced into promotion zone, as they squeezed in a crushing 7 wicket home victory against Hatfield Hyde. Other teams were disastrously hit by the soggy conditions, providing Reed with a further advantage. The home side, keen to sustain their promotion drive, and Hatfield desperate for points, ensured the fixture was played.

A sudden change in weather conditions slightly dried the wicket allowing Reed to extract maximum seam and swing movement, as they elected to bowl first. Sharp fielding saw Reed also take all their catches, most notably a magnificent effort from skipper Simon Jackson who bagged a skier, and benefit from shoddy running by forcing 3 run-outs. Nevile’s top-scoring effort of 20 was in vain because Peter Tidey stole the show with another 5 wicket haul for just 27 runs off 26 overs. This saw Hatfield Hyde reduced to 59-5. Clarke and Berks chipped in with a wicket apiece, but it was Tidey who provided the impetus as Hatfield Hyde slumped to 127 all out off 52 overs, mostly surrendering cheaply to the man-of-the-match’s frustratingly nagging length.

After tea, Reed were pinned back to 33-2, until opener Heslam opened his shoulders to hit an aggressive 56. In conjunction with Gary Bridge, who himself also thumped a majestic 56*, the 93 run partnership overwhelmed Hatfield Hyde, as Reed surged to another victory with over 20 overs to spare. Reed now lie unbeaten for 8 weeks (including 6 victories), and comfortably in line for promotion at 3rd equal, after rocketing 7 places since last week. Boxmoor are set to face Reed this coming Saturday.