Reed’s 2nd XI slid to their second successive defeat again on the back of a weak batting display.

Having won the toss and batted on a good wicket the home side found it difficult to get the naggingly accurate Hertford bowling away, with Osgood in particurlar bowling an excellent line and length. John Heslam (15) managed a few attacking strokes, but at 22-3 after 16 overs the pressure was on.

Richard Robertson used his feet well to manufacture scoring opportunities and together with Ben Bowles they took the total past 50 before Bowles was needlessly run out for 8.

The Reed middle order then collapsed to a combination of injuducious strokes and some ill fortune. Robertson fell for (35) and only Ian Roberts (11) not out reached double figures, as the Innings subsided to 95 all out.

The total was hopelessly inadequate to defend over 57 overs and Barnes (45) steered Hertford to a comfortable 8 wicket win ably supported by Perry (14) and Eaton (26) not out. Reed’s problems were compounded when Ian Roberts had to leave the field with an ankle injury whilst Richard Robertson remains injured and unable to bowl at present.