Reed II also remain top of their league division despite being held to a home draw by Old Haberdashers. The visitors won the toss and put Reed into bat on a good batting track and the hosts batsman were rarely I trouble and rattled up a total which put them in command of this match.

Paul Watts 26 and Ian Fulk put on 77 for the first wicket and Fulk carried on a personal 77. As Reeds total grew and the Old Haberdashers bowlers toiled in the sun, Chris Shorrock 38 not out Alan Ward 26 made useful contributions as Reed declared 2 overs early with a score of 224-5 from 51 overs.

Reed’s bowling has been in dominant form recently but after a solid start they proved less penetrative than in recent weeks. Jim Allsopp provided a good opening spell winning success as Haberdashers were serious about their play at 102-4 it was anyone’s game and Friend was making a solo effort for an OH victory with some aggressive shots. Richard Robertson was his usual self but up the hill it was a different story. Emms then Allsopp were called for second spells but went for 57 in 5 overs between them as Friend moved to his century, Jason Archer recalled into the attack had Friend caught while Robertson in a marathon 18 over spell took 5-39. Archer took 2 more wickets to give Reed 6 balls at the final pair to secure the win. However it was not to be as the visitors ended on 195-9, 30 short of Reeds total.