Weakened by call ups to the 1st XI, Reed IIs were concerned that their batting may prove below par, and when Paul ‘The Rock’ Watts went for a duck in the first over concern mounted. However all the Reed batsmen rallied to the cause to eventually post the sides best total to date, 235 for 8 declared.

Alan Ward led the attack with a magnificant innings of 89 and ably supported by Peter Baker 28, John Heslam 25 and Andrew Emms 24. Even after a minor collapse in the 180s the tail wagged with Jim Allsopp 19 and Ian Roberts 19 not out totally demorallising the Southgate bowling.

Wazeam swung the ball throughout his 26 overs, 4 for 82 but Gary Flack took fearful punishment returning 3-136.

Reed took an early wicket but Thorp 68 and Burns 38 gave Southgate a firm foundation to chase an unlikely win. At 137 for 2 the visitors were in with a good chance especailly as occasiona steady drizzle turned the ball into a soggy, slippery mess.

However the introduction of Richard Robertson into the Reed attack saw the match transformed. Well supported by smart catches from Ward and Heslam, Reed fought back. Two sharp stumpings from evergreen Steve Dunn added to the pressure and Southgate slumped to 178 all out, with Robertson returning 6-26 from 8.4 overs. Reed’s 30 point haul sees them stay well clear at the top of Herts League Division 8.