Reed II won a vital toss and managed to force an important win at the expense of Ickleford and beat the threatening weather at the same time.

Having called correctly, skipper Heslam put Ickleford in to bat as cloudy skies threatened and occasional drizzle hung in the air.

The Reed bowlers gave little away and Ickleford found runs hard to come by. Jim Allsopp’s seven overs saw hit take 1-10 and Ian Roberts’ 13 overs (2-15) contained the home side for whom Chamberlain 15 proved the only one to make double figures. From 47-two in 22 overs Ickleford collapsed dramatically to 60 all out as Jason Archer (3-9), Chris Shorrock (2-1) and Richard Robertson (1-19) were well supported by excellent Reed catching and fielding.

With 63 overs to make 61 to win it was now Reed against the weather. Drizzle commenced as Peter Baker took the attack urgently to Ickleford’s bowlers.

Baker’s powerful stroke-play produced rapid runs, but at 44-0 the players left the field as steady rain fell.

A short respite and brief sunny period enabled play to recommence and Baker moved to 47 before being caught in the deep with Reed needing seven to win,

Watts and skipper Heslam saw Reed to their target just before the rain returned, and Reed now top their table with three wins from three matches, 20 points clear of second side Hoddesdon, who like most others in Hertfordshire, saw their matches wiped out by the weather.