Reed First XI reserved a place in Herts League division 3 for next summer as they cruised to a comfortable 151 run drubbing of fourth placed Old Haberdashers on Saturday. Just 10 weeks ago, Reed were facing relegation as they languished in bottom place, but an 11 week unbeaten spell, including 9 wins have seen them cement themselves as comfortable league leaders. Winning the toss, Simon Jackson elected to bat on pitch which traditionally offered notoriously variable bounce. Old Haberdashers benefited from this as a low delivery saw them draw first blood, but Reed’s batsmen were up to the task as everyone contributed healthily (Helsam 46, C.Jackson 36, Wornham 41) to the total of 252 for 3 declared off 46 overs. It was Baz Curtis who top-scored smashing an imperious 66*, as Ray Kingshott (20*) solidly supported him at the other end. The innings was somewhat marred by Wornham, who unfortunately was forced to retire hurt after twisting his knee attempting a pull stroke.

Reed’s reply began in typically attacking style. Clarke removed one opener, but it was Berks who profited with some excellent seam bowling by claiming 3 specialist batsmen for 31 runs in a testing opening spell. His first wicket also marked a personal feat for the young fast bowler, as he registered his 100th 1XI League wicket for the Club. Peter Tidey then penetrated the middle order even further as he plundered 3 wickets for a mere 10 runs off 10 overs, to effectively exhaust all hopes of a batting recovery for Old Haberdashers. Fielding was tight throughout, with Reed holding every chance, notably two catches by wicket keeper Stuart Smith, and a one handed slip catch by Tidey. It was only the Haberdasher’s skipper who provided some resistance as he tried to battle for a draw, but Richard Johnson, in a fiery second spell took two wickets in an over to help catapult Reed to first place, and force the opposition out of league contention.

Simon Jackson will lead his team to their final League fixture on Saturday against struggling Sandridge, giving them an opportunity to not just reassert their dominance in the league but also convincingly win the League title for the season.