Reed managed to stem their 2 match losing streak on Saturday as they earned a healthy draw against Welwyn Garden City at home, despite fielding a holiday affected under-strength side. They are now placed third in a tightly bunched top-of-the-table Division 3, under Redbourn and St. Albans IIs, whilst the 2XI lead Division eight by 20 points.

Electing to bat first, Reed racked up a colossal 253-5 on a blisteringly hot afternoon. Despite an early setback as Heslam fell victim to a freakish ricocheted run out, Reed stabilised the ship with Tom Fulk (24) and stand-in captain Chris Jackson, who went on to strike a chanceless 94*. Baz Curtis, in fine League form this season, also contributed with a typically aggressive 93, batting well with Jackson to build a 3rd wicket partnership of 165.

Despite this tough target, WGC were not fazed as they set about their task strongly. Struggling for early wickets on a batting friendly pitch, Reeds bowlers were temporarily overwhelmed by Abraham who registered a flamboyant century packed with blistering cuts and drives. The other WGC batsmen supported him well, all with healthy scores. The signs looked positive for the WGC team as they neared the total, but a flurry of wickets, including the Centurions, primarily instigated by Berks who managed to gather five in the afternoon, slowed the run rate leaving them on 248-8 off their 47 overs.

Chris Jackson, skippering for the first time in place of his brother, Simon, commented: Todays match was a close run thing we were striving for the win and trying to keep runs to a minimum, whilst they fought for the runs, mindful of a potential loss. It was certainly a challenging induction into League captaincy for me, but more importantly it got the team back on track, and restored some club confidence lost over the past fortnight. Reed are due to face Southgate Adelaide on Saturday who lie mid-table.