Reed Sunday XI traveled to Wheathampstead on Sunday still searching for their first win of the season. After losing the toss Reed were asked to field, this looked like a very good decision to bat as openers R.Winchester and Booth gave the home side a terrific start reaching 60 without loss. Reeds opening pair Allsopp (10-1-24)and Marcus Martin(7-0-34) bowled well without any real penetration, and when either dropped it short they were severely punished.

Allsopp picked up the wicket of Booth, but Reed looked under fire until the introduction of Haslam (9-1-28) and Archer (12-4-28) slowed the run rate and started to exert pressure. The score had reached 75 when Haslam had A.Winchester caught at mid on by Naeem. Archer then removed opener R.Winchester for 42 (85-3)and then a direct hit run out the next ball by Ian Fulk left the hosts on 85-4.

A period of consolidation between M. Winchester and K.Martin ensued, until Archer had Martin caught with a tremendous catch by Ian Fulk. Wheathampstead then slumped from 127-5 to 139 all out Collins (5.1-3-22) cleaning up the tail.

Reed never looked in any trouble during the run chase Tom Fulk 42 continued his excellent form of late, but man of the match Ian Fulk outshone his sibling with a superb 72 not out which only just eclipsed his fantastic fielding display and Archer’s return to form with the ball. Naeem came in at three and closed the game with some big hits through the leg side, to see Reed home by 9 wickets. A comfortable victory over a team made up of the majority of Wheathampstead’s Saturday second XI.

Archer’s job now seemingly safe, and great weekend for Reed with all 3 senior sides victorious.