Reed maintained their bid for league promotion on Saturday as they played league hopefuls St. Albans away. In possibly Reed’s most important league game of the season, the visitors excelled, as the result saw them creep in front of St. Albans II to second place. Yet Hertford II still look dominant in first place as they recorded their 10th win of the 14 league games this season.

Winning the toss, Simon Jackson elected to bat, and his decision was proven to be wise, as Tom Fulk (7) and James Heslam (71) gave Reed a solid start against some accurate fast bowling from Richard O’Toole (10-2-29-0) and Australian Andy Williams (12-2-45-4) by building an opening stand of 29. Chris Jackson (14) continued to support Heslam well, until he was superbly stumped off Garofall (20-4-29-4). Richard Jerome (30) also offered some gritty batting against the St. Albans attack, especially from Williams, who in his second spell resorted to bowling a collection of looping bouncers and beamers. Reed ended on 175-8 off their allotted overs, yet St. Albans were always confident that it was an achievable target.

The Reed bowlers thought otherwise, despite missing opener Michael Berks due to nuptial arrangements. Jerome (19-12-25-4) and Peter Tidey (20-10-28-3) bowled tightly with the old ball removing the top order, leaving St. Albans reeling on 44 for 6. A selection of rash shots and superb catches by the Reed fielders, particularly Chris Jackson and Peter Tidey who were like panthers in the field. Opener William Clarke (5-2-3-2) took the new ball half way through the innings and helped snatch two quick wickets, yet, with the overs expiring, and the score on 88-9, Reed were unable to dismiss the final to batsman to claim the full 30 point quota. Reed are due to face struggling Hatfield away on Saturday.