Reed 1st XI race to Division 2, which would mark their second successive league promotion in two years was strengthened on Saturday as they crushed Bushey by 7 wickets away on Saturday. Reed was also celebrating the 2nd XI winning Division 8, ensuring a double club league victory if Simon Jackson’s 1st XI beat mid-placed Harpenden IIs on Saturday.

Despite returning that morning from a physically arduous club tour to Nottingham, Reed maintained their professionalism as they justified their decision to bowl first. Michael Berks (11-3-34-1) made an early breakthrough with the score on 8. William Clarke (13-4-15-3), then had opener Devan superbly caught at point by James Heslam. Clarke continued to remove their number three thanks to a sharp chance which was held by Baz Curtis at second slip, and their number 5 Zahid with a caught and bowled chance. With Berks tiring, Reed’s 1st XI leading league wicket-taker Peter Tidey (14-6-26-4) assumed the mantle of responsibility beginning with a crucial wicket maiden. Exploiting some variable bounce and favourable swing conditions, he tore through the middle order with ease. With two late wickets by Richard Jerome (5.4-2-5-2), Bushey were always struggling to challenge as they amassed a paltry 94 all out.

A testing spell before tea saw James Heslam (15) begin strongly, but an unpredictably low ball had him trapped LBW from opener Nabil (5-0-34-1). The tea-watchman, William Clarke, again promoted from his regular number 9 position to 3, came in with the score on 15-1. He partnered Tom Fulk (6) before the interval, until Fulk was unlucky to be adjudged LBW the over before tea. After tea, Clarke (41*) strengthened his position and opened his shoulders as he capitalised on some overpitched deliveries, with Chris Jackson (15). When Jackson departed caught behind to a very faint touch, Baz Curtis (12*) came to the crease hitting 3 fours in quick succession to see the match to an inevitable conclusion with 33 overs to spare.

Amongst scenes of jubilation, Simon Jackson said: “Having never dropped below fourth during the whole season, the 1st XI deserve promotion. This could be an historic year for the club, yet the 1st XI are continuing to push to secure the title and double club promotion.”