Reed cruised to their 2nd consecutive league victory at home to Wheathampstead IIs on Saturday. Reed were put into bat on a wicket that would give bowlers the edge early on however Baz Curtis and and in form James Heslam put on 64 for the 1st wicket for their 2nd consecutive 50 opening partnership. In previous seasons when Curtis was out Reed would normally slump however this year there seems to be new found confidence in the batting line up. With two ex-county colts captains at the crease in Heslam and Christophe Jackson, the scoreboard kept ticking at a fair rate and Reed reached the 100 off only 21 overs. Heslam was unlucky to fall short of his 2nd league 50 of the season when caught slogging to the deep. With Jackson falling shortly afterwards it bought together university student Will “Ill only play one game till it warms up and Im properly fit” Clarke to the wicket and Trev “I do play that shot with my eyes open “Saunders. Saunders hit the ball with his usual power with Clarke helping Saunders to the majority of the strike – and Will even hit a couple of boundaris. Shortly after Saunders reached his 50, Reed then declared on 209 for 4 off 45 overs. The reason for this could be;

– watch the FA Cup Final

– saving Skipper Jackson from getting another duck or

– giving themselves an extra 8 overs to bowl out Wheathampstead

In reply W’Hampstead never got going with Reeds attack boasting the luxury of Michael “Im under 19 so can only bowl 7 overs” Berks and Will Clarke in the fast bowling stakes with Ian “oldest swinger in town” Roberts tying up the other end with his usual accuracy in his swing bowling. Reed managed to get W’Hampstead to 50 for 5 before a piece of “inspirational captaincy” (or Ian Roberts being too tired) bought on off-spinner Chris Jackson. In a classy spell of flight and guile spin bowling saw Jackson clean up the remaining batsman and finishing with figures of 4 for 4 off 19 balls in bowling out W’Hampstead for 60 and giving read a victory by 149 runs.