Reed Sunday XI fell to their first defeat in 7 weeks at North Enfield after inspirational skipper Jason Archer pulled out with a heavy cold.

Stand in Captain Jim Allsopp won the toss and elected to bat on what proved to be a damp tricky wicket that gave much assistance to the bowlers early on. Veteran Roger Bowcock fell to his first Golden Duck in 8 years in the second over as Reed’s top order stumbled. Ben Bowles (22) and Peter Baker (15) steadied the ship but it was the impressive Stuart Smith (58) playing with a hamstring injury that was the backbone of the Reed innings.

Ably assisted by James Heslam (32), Smith stroked the ball to all corners of the ground before being bowled by the pick of the Enfield bowlers Jones 7-3-35. Reed managed 162 before Orton skittled the lower order.

The conditions certainly favoured the home team and as the pitch dried it offered little assistance to the Reed bowlers, the pick being Richard Jaansen 10-4-37. He was a menace throughout the Enfield innings and was supported by some tight bowling from Neil Haslam and Jim Allsopp. Unfortunately the bowlers effort were in vain as North Enfield reached their target with four balls to spare.

Disappointed skipper Jim Allsopp commented “I was enthralled with the effort that was shown today, we put up a jolly good fight in a marvelous game of cricket. The boy were a credit to the village.”