Reed’s hopes of achieving promotion to Herts League Division Three took a massive blow on Saturday as they were robbed of victory at fellow promotion contenders Botany Bay by rain. With Reed chasing a target of 219 to win in 47 overs they were very well placed at 182-2 when the heavens opened. Although play continued for a while after the rain had begun the situation worsened and despite both captains agreeing to continue the umpires decided that the conditions were unplayable. This left Reed with just 8 points from the game, less than if it had been rained off at 1.00pm

Botany Bay amassed 219 despite a good all-round bowling and fielding display by Reed. Missing key bowlers Berks and Tidey as well as spin option Chris Jackson it was always going to be a struggle but Heslam, Costen and Saunders supported the remaining senior bowlers, Johnson and Clarke well. Johnson was probably the pick of the bowlers taking 2-35 off 10 overs.

In reply, Reed had an excellent start and the partnership of 164 between Heslam and Curtis in 31 overs and looked set to lead Reed to a comfortable victory. Although Heslam and Curtis departed for 94 and 63 respectively needing only 38 more runs to win in 12 overs with 8 wickets in hand Reed looked very well set. Curtis was in particularly fine form smashing Botany Bays attack to all parts whilst Heslam played a controlled innings in support of his fellow opener. However, it was not to be and thanks to the weather Reed are likely to have to win all 3 remaining games to stand any chance of promotion.