Sawbridgeworth 2nd XI beat Reed 1st XI by 94 runs. Reed 1st XI slipped to penultimate position in the Saracens Herts League Division 4 on Saturday after losing by 94 runs to a strong Sawbridgeworth 2nd XI side. Batting first, Sawbo opener Heath and Moseley, solidly supported by Burrall, took advantage of home knowledge and conditions to build a strong opening partnership. Reed battled back to restrain the opposition to 220 runs, with wickets spread between the bowlers.

Despite losing 3 early wickets, a powerful 49 by Gary Bridge kept Reed’s hopes alive, on a pitch further dampened by pre-tea showers. However, some accurate seam bowling and aggressive team tactics saw Sawbridgeworth shatter Reed’s crumbling tail. With only 5 overs to snatch a draw, Simon Jackson’s stoical 21 proved to be in vain, as his Michael Berks was victim to a “close” LBW decision allowing Sawbridgeworth to surge to a 30 point victory, further pressurising Reed to position themselves in the league reflective of their potential talent.