Reed 1st XI run of poor form continued on Saturday as they fell victims to a strong all round Potters Bar XI, leaving them languishing at the bottom of Saracen’s Hertfordshire League Division 4. Bowling first, the Potters Bar’s openers proceeded to remove four early wickets making early inroads into Reed’s middle order. However, resistance in the form of a patient 55 by Chris Jackson, and 30 not out by Stuart Smith, characterised by some energetic running between the wickets, ensured Reed crept to a vaguely credible total of 124.

Defending some accurate bowling from Peter Tidey (2-22), Potters Bar proceeded steadily and consistently with R.Martin (34), Barker (31*), and Coughlan (30*) helping to steer their side to a 7 wicket victory over the hosts. Once again, Reed’s batting proved to be brittle, and it will need to improve if they are to avoid relegation this season, or even to secure their first league victory on Saturday against Luton Town IIs.